Satellites in the global information infrastructure: opportunities and handicaps

Satellites will play a crucial role in the development of the Global Information Infrastructure by extending the reach of terrestrial networks and complementing wireline technologies. In fact, they have begun to do so, notwithstanding the many attendant obstacles. Consequently, the industry and the way nations work together will dramatically change. For one, the commercial communications satellite marketplace will diversify more in terms of products and markets. A variety of developing markets presents the prospect for service diversity and perhaps even greater price competition. Moreover, the fact that geostationary orbiting satellite footprints traverse national boundaries creates difficult political, intellectual property, and cultural challenges.