Governments Prioritize SATCOM Control Over Ownership, Panel Finds
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Global – October 27, 2026 -- Governments are demanding full control over their satellite communication mission stacks rather than just access to capacity, according to a panel hosted by ST Engineering iDirect. Speakers from the company and PA Consulting said sovereignty is shifting toward assurance and resilience.
Control outweighs ownership in national SATCOM programs
Alison Grey, Associate Partner at PA Consulting, said full end-to-end in-country ownership is unrealistic for most nations. The practical goal is assured access, control and resilience. Keith Blanchet, Vice President, Global Government at ST Engineering iDirect, defined sovereignty as resiliency, sovereign control and interoperability, the last being essential for coalition operations.