Satellite communication-a continuing revolution

SATCOM technology has revolutionized communications over the last 40 years. Initial SATCOM systems provided trunk telephony through large, fixed stations; current systems offer many services to smaller, fixed and mobile terminals. Personal Communications Systems, when fully implemented, will allow individuals to communicate with "anyone, anywhere, anytime," and thus transform the world into a truly global village. New systems (currently being planned) will offer innovative services, such as computer networking and multimedia to the expanding mass market at an affordable cost. The rate of SATCOM progress shows no sign of slowing, and this revolution is expected to continue well into the future.