Issues on the evolution towards satellite personal communication networks

The paper describes the evolutionary trend from mobile to personal satellite communications. In addition to summarizing technical/market parameters of present-day (GEO) mobile satellite systems (MSS) and MSS under development (INMARSAT network, ESA PRODAT and MSBN, OmniTRACS/EutelTRACS, American and Asia-Pacific systems, ....), the key characteristics of the future MSS scenarios are identified in an Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) perspective. Such characteristics substantially deal with satellite cell and satellite location area concepts, fixed earth station (FES) configuration, the integration level between terrestrial and satellite segment, and mobility procedures (cell selection/reselection, handover). As for the present-day MSS, the current situation of “little”, “big” and “super” LEOs is depicted, identifying issues to be addressed when designing and implementing satellite personal communication networks (S-PCN). INMARSAT plans to deploy the “Standard-P” system are also indicated. As for the future MSS the possible alternative solutions are outlined and the relevant tradeoffs are identified and discussed