Satellite and cellular integration: a terminal manufacturer´s perspective

By the year 2000, personal satellite communications promises the ultimate mobility for users roaming beyond their normal cellular coverage. However the satellite service must support sufficient users to avoid prohibitively-priced satellite services and equipment, all of course without creating satellite spectrum congestion. To achieve this, and to maximise the benefits for users, satellite services need to be integrated with personal cellular services. This paper starts by comparing key satellite and cellular characteristics and identifies the benefits of integration for users, operators, and regulators. Alternative approaches to service and network integration are suggested which could satisfy the varying requirements of terrestrial operators and even encourage the growth of cellular in emerging market areas. Of course, many technical and regulatory hurdles need to be overcome and some “rules for success” are identified. Finally, some possible routes towards achieving good global standards for third generation systems operating in the FPLMTS bands are proposed