The emergence of commercial digital satellite communications

Author

Puente, John G.

Volume

48

Issue

7

fYear

2010

fDate

7/1/2010 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

16

Lastpage

20

Abstract

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.

Keywords

digital communication; satellite communication; Atlantic; commercial digital satellite communication; mobile application; satellite broadcasting; thin route application; video distribution; voice traffic; Artificial satellites; Communication cables; Digital video broadcasting; Military satellites; Optical fiber cables; Optical fibers; Power cables; Satellite broadcasting; Satellite communication; Telecommunication traffic;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Communications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0163-6804

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MCOM.2010.5496871

Filename

5496871