The emergence of satellite systems for rural communications

Technology improvements in recent years are leading toward low-cost satellite communications systems that can be applied to rural telephony solutions worldwide. This paper will review some of the key technology and economic developments that are taking place today and further developments projected for the near future that can make this prospect a reality. Advances in signal processing and error-correction techniques have enabled more efficient use of space segment. In parallel, the trend of higher power, higher frequency satellites is causing dramatic reductions in size and cost of corresponding ground segment earth terminals. Coupled with these developments will be intelligent on-board switched satellite processors which can provide added network flexibility and further reduce overall system costs. Candidate systems, technology, and economic analyses will be discussed to demonstrate the feasibility of these services for both telephony and data, as well as a projected time schedule when they may be achieved.