Proposed U.S. multimedia satellites

Provision of multimedia access is seen to be a huge and growing market that is attracting many entrants. Satellite delivery is likely to be more expensive than terrestrial service where it is available, but in rural areas and countries with poor infrastructure could be the only option available to many potential customers. Several companies appear ready to stake several billion dollars each in creating new Ka-band satellite systems to serve these customers. Commercial success will depend upon many factors including low entry (i.e., terminal) cost, high quality of service at acceptable usage fees, and either minimum downtime caused by rain or some form of reduced rate access during thunderstorms. Meeting all these requirements may seem a tall order but several U.S. companies seem undaunted by the challenge.