The myth and reality of mobile satellite communications

Proponents of mobile satellite communications cations predict a future in which telephone calls could be made to hand-held mobile terminals, located anywhere in the world. This possibility of communicating anywhere, anytime with hand-held telephones could revolutionize the telecommunications business. These proposed systems are expensive, and face formidable competition. Many are not commercially viable, and their proponents are pursuing a myth. This paper describes the current situation, and the realities of mobile satellite communications.<>