The recent announcement from A&T and Terrastar on National roaming ( http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/2009/09/ATT-TerreStar-Plans-Dual-Mode-Phone/ )raises the discussion on the relative merits of satellites for wireless services again. While this may fill in some gaps in AT&T's coverage, it is certainly not a viable long term solution for voice or low latency data services. The half second round trip will always relegate satellite to niche communications such as public safety, disaster response and military applications in hard to reach areas unless a low earth orbit system can be deployed (like Iridium) which becomes cost prohibitive.
The main advantage for satellites is still broadcast data (such as direcTV) where they have a huge advantage over terrestrial repeaters given you can broadcast once to the entire country. As mobile phones become more capable of receiving streamed multimedia, this is where satellites may finally gain real traction in the mobile space.
The main advantage for satellites is still broadcast data (such as direcTV) where they have a huge advantage over terrestrial repeaters given you can broadcast once to the entire country. As mobile phones become more capable of receiving streamed multimedia, this is where satellites may finally gain real traction in the mobile space.
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