Low Cost Satellite User Terminals: Lessons from The Wireless Industry

Satellite Communications systems are expected to play a significant role in the distribution of data, video and multi-media content as part of emerging global telecommunications infrastructure. This is, in part, due to many unique advantages satellite systems offer, including: global coverage, instantaneous access, and broadcast and multicasting capabi lities. Affordability of ground segment for satellite systems still remains an important barrier to growth of satellite networks. Many of the satellite systems are designed with unique ground system requirements thus hindering volume production and achievi ng inherent price/volume advantages. Yet, it is possible to reach a substantial price reduction by applying innovative design techniques, coupled with commercial wireless low-cost manufacturing technology, which have been successfully applied to consumer products such as cell phone handsets and WLAN (802.11b/g/a) access points and modems. This paper examines the trends in satellite and wireless systems and how they may support each other to provide complete communications solutions around the globe. Cost reduction of satellite terminals is discussed using the approaches that have been successful in the wireless industry.