Communication satellite systems for high-speed internet access

Communication satellites were originally conceived as a means of providing voice telephone service over the entire globe, i.e., between countries, which up to that time had no direct links with one another. Subsequently, satellites were launched to provide service to mobile users (the military, ships, aircraft, etc.), and for distributing television programs domestically. In the US, this was initially restricted to feeding cable head-ends, but in recent years, direct-to-the home TV has become widespread. Satellite service providers now see offering businesses and consumers high-speed access to the Internet and the World Wide Web as the newest opportunity to expand their offerings. This paper reviews efforts now underway by a number of companies to tap this market, some of whom plan to deploy new, special-purpose satellite systems.