Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Geosynchronous satellites are not the only satellites orbiting the broadband access space. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have garnered a large amount of interest and press because of their high concept and the participation of heavy-hitters Bill Gates and Craig McCaw. Some conflict has arisen between LMDS and LEO supporters regarding spectrum allocation. Though it is unlikely that the bandwidth of these systems will exceed 1 to 2 Mb, their potential role in RBB is to provide a ubiquitous return path for other one-way technologies. Another possible effect is to siphon off investment and consumer interest from higher-speed services.
Background
Unlike their geosynchronous brethren, which operate at 35,800 km above ...
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