Next-generation Broadband Mobile Satellite Communication System in the Ubiquitous Network Era

摘要

After investigating the potential market for satellite communications in around 2010 that will have advantages over future terrestrial communication networks, we concluded that there will be a large demand for broadband communications services for passengers in vehicles such as long-haul trains, seagoing vessels, and airplanes. In this article, we describe a next-generation broadband scalable mobile satellite communication system for Japan that can offer economical broadband Internet service for passengers in such vehicles. We describe possible services, estimate the potential market, and discuss the requirements for such services to flourish. Finally, we discuss enabling technologies required for the system.