Commercial satellite communications experience

The operational Intelsat I (Early Bird) and Intelsat II satellites and associated earth stations that comprise the present commercial satellite communications system provide a capacity of close to 720 voice circuits between major earth stations. All but a limited portion of the inhabited globe is now within the line of sight of a commercial satellite relay. In addition, it is expected that by 1968, with the operation of Intelsat III, a truly global international satellite communications system will exist.