The emergence of commercial digital satellite communications

In this article some of the factors responsible for the emergence of commercial digital satellite communication are discussed. Today most voice traffic across the Atlantic is carried by fiber optic undersea cable. Satellites remain competitive in broadcast and thin route applications. Video distribution remains strong for satellites, and in mobile applications such as maritime and military telecom requirements for voice, data, and video. In disaster situations (e.g. the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile) satellite trucks with generators and small Earth stations provide quick communications when terrestrial facilities are damaged or destroyed.