Revolution in the U.S. Information Infrastructure (1995) / Chapter Skim
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Satellite Communications in the Global Information Infrastructure
Satellite Communications in the Global Information Infrastructure
Pages 39-52
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From page 39... ...
Today's global marketplace requires a reliable, timely, and unrestricted flow of people, information, capital, and products. By creating a seamless, ubiquitous, and cost-efficient global information infrastructure, we provide the communications architecture for the global marketplace.
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From page 40... ...
The original thought that government would invest huge sums to help create the information superhighway is gone. Instead, telecommunication bills are being promoted to encourage competition for local phone, cable, and long-distance service.
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From page 41... ...
The economics favor satellites, if the playing field is kept level by preventing cross subsidies. Similarly, satellite communication will provide two-way, high data-rate services using very small aperture terminals (VSATs)
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From page 42... ...
As both industrialized and developing nations increase their demand for access to information, entertainment, and mobile communications, the GII is where the action will be. In a March 21, 1994 speech in Buenos Aires, Vice President Gore talked about the importance of the GII and did an excellent job of positioning America for a leadership role.
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From page 43... ...
Competition from both domestic and foreign satellite service providers is driving down costs, spurring technological innovation, improving service, and expanding offerings to users. In August 1994, for example, Singapore announced it would let privately owned companies compete to provide satellite communications links that previously could be supplied only by two government-controlled enterprises.
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From page 44... ...
For example, compression of digital audio signals has made satellite mobile communications economically feasible by increasing the capacity of satellites tenfold. Compression of digital video signals will result in at least a fivefold increase in the capacity of a transponder to transmit televi
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From page 45... ...
I would like to discuss three of these: high-speed interactive voice, data, and video transmission; satellite mobile services, which will eventually evolve into handheld terminals; and direct-to-home television broadcasting through satellites. Before discussing high-speed interactive communications, however, we must consider that much of the world is still in need of basic telephony.
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From page 46... ...
SPACEWAY: HIGH DATA RATES AND BANDWIDTH ON DEMAND With these VSAT applications as a starting point, we now find ourselves on the threshold of a new era of interactive high data-rate transmission. Microsoft's Bill Gates and cellular phone pioneer Craig McCaw made headlines when they announced an ambitious plan to launch a high data-rate global satellite business, Teledesic.
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From page 47... ...
Second, Spaceway will provide critical advanced communications support to the global marketplace, where huge quantities of information must be accessed and shared electronically. Spaceway will offer business users a wide variety of applications, including desktop video telephony and conferencing, computer networking, technical tele-imaging, CAD/CAM transmission, and high-speed, low-cost access to the next generation of online multimedia databases, at rates from 16 kilobits per second to 1.5 megabits per second, and higher if necessary.
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From page 48... ...
Dual-mode handsets will route calls over cellular networks when they are available and by satellite when they are not. AMSC-1 and TMI-1 will interconnect with all existing cellular systems and with the entire public switched telephone network, creating the first seamless network for nationwide mobile voice, data, and fax communications in the United States and Canada.
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From page 49... ...
Currently, more than 25 million privately owned satellite dishes in backyards and on rooftops across the world are delivering vast menus of programming directly into the home. SES, for example, is broadcasting programs in five languages to over 17 million privately owned receivers.
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From page 50... ...
An integral part of this global telecommunications infrastructure will be the satellite global phone, which we will automatically slip into our purse or pocket each morning. It will be a smart phone,
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From page 51... ...
As in 1962, we have an enormous opportunity to shape the future of satellite communications around the world. By exporting our nation's rich store of satellite technology and know-how, we not only create new jobs in the United States and boost our own economy, we also further the economic and social progress of developing nations through improved access to education and health care.
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