National Networks Including Satellite Service

This paper surveys the evolution of the U.S. telecommunications system, including regulatory and technological events, which have dramatically altered the tra- ditional application of communication satellite systems. Satellites were originally intended to carry telephone traffic over "thick" routes and long distances. This applicaton, with a few exceptions, has now been taken over by fiber optic systems. However, satellites have several natural advantages over terrestrial technologies in applications that: Need broadcast (i.e., simultaneous point-to-multipoint) capability, Have low traffic volumes ("thin" routes) over long distances, or Require flexibility or mobility.