Those concerned with maritime and aeronautical communications have, since the first experiments in satellite communications, realised the potential benefits which satellite communications can bring to their respective communities. Clearly, the prospect of near global, highly reliable communications made possible by satellite technology is very attractive to mariners and aviators alike. The arrival of cellular radio services has awakened interest in land mobile satellite services. The exploitation of this technology to satisfy these applications has largely taken place during the last two decades. This Chapter aims to provide an overview of the current and emerging mobile satellite communications systems and an appreciation of the constraints imposed upon them.

Inspec keywords: satellite communication; cellular radio; telecommunication network reliability

Other keywords: land mobile satellite service; mobile satellite communication; reliable communication; cellular radio service; maritime communication; satellite technology; aeronautical communication

Subjects: Satellite communication systems