Satellite-based personal communications networks

One of the main requirements from personal communication networks is to provide the user with ubiquitous services. i.e., coverage every place, every time on a global basis. Terrestrial-based systems make economical sense only for coverage of the populated areas. However, this implies coverage over a small percentage of the face of the globe. In order to provide coverage of the non-populated areas satellite-based systems provide the solution. These systems are under construction and are planned to enter the phase of providing commercial services in the near future. The deviation of these systems compared to the common cases are reviewed. A particular emphasis is given to European aspects. Several satellite based systems are under construction for operating in the frequency bands between 1610 to 1626.5 MHz and 2483.5 to 2500 MHz. A future emerging band for mobile satellite systems (MSS) is the band 1980 to 2010 MHz paired with 2170 to 2200 MHz in the framework of the FPLMTS