The role of satellite communication in the creation of global data transmission networks

This paper discusses present trends in the development of new telecommunications systems and services, in particular, it describes a rapidly growing sector of multimedia services in global networks. Existing communications systems, especially in their subscriber part, mostly do not meet the requirements for on-line data transmission rate. That also pertains to satellite systems and lines. The paper presents an evaluation of average data transmission rate needed for new kinds of services, which evaluation is based on minimization of costs. The emphasis is made on the extremely important role of satellite communication in establishing world-wide global information systems. A brief description of some perspective satellite communications systems is given. The paper states main problems related to standartization, software, certification. Some tariff policy issues are discussed in the context of multimedia services development.