Technical and Regulatory Aspects of Satellite Personal Communication Networks (S- PCN), Particularly

The electronic and radio equipment technology has made it possible to communicate by means of hand-held terminals directly via satellite. Networks, in which such a service will be offered, are called Satellite Personal Communication Networks. Several S-PCN operators, e.g. Ellipso, Globalstar, ICO-P, Iridium and Odyssey, prepare to start operation within a few years from now. Standardisation bodies and telecommunication authorities are challenged to provide the regulatory framework in time.