Truckers swap CB's for satellites
Article Abstract:
Trucking firms, and others - barge owners, small aircraft operators and oil riggers - are installing satellite tracking systems. Truckers use mobile satellite links to track and control their vehicles on the road. This technology involves a transmitter on a truck that sends hourly signals, which bounce off a satellite and down to a satellite company's headquarters; then, signals are passed on to a customer's headquarters by telephone communications. The cost of satellite communication has fallen dramatically, with terminals now costing about $4,000. On board systems need only 25 to 40 watts to beam their signal. The industry supplying the satellite links is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. One analyst expects the industry to grow from $100 million in 1989 to $6 billion in 1994, as the technology spreads to other markets.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Tiny Tonga seeks satellite empire in space
Article Abstract:
Tonga has taken the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) by surprise by laying claim to 16 key unoccupied orbital spaces for geostationary satellites over the Pacific at the equator. The spaces are important to the rapidly growing US-Asia telecommunications business. Intelsat, which is a 119-nation consortium that provides international satellite service, contends that Tonga is a front for American entrepreneur Matt C. Nilson, who probably intends on leasing the spaces to the highest bidder. Intelsat is trying to dismiss Tonga's ambitious claims but international communications authorities note that Tonga is wholly within regulations. The regulations could not be changed until the next scheduled meeting of the World Administrative Radio Conference, which is in 1992.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Satellite TV's appeal to Comsat
Article Abstract:
The Communications Satellite Corp (Comsat) plans to use its recent acquisition of the Denver Nuggets basketball team as a cornerstone for developing a new satellite television venture. Comsat considers investing $100 million in the new satellite TV venture and hopes to do with it what Ted Turner did with cable television. Comsat, which is based in Washington, represents the federal government to Intelsat, which is an international satellite consortium owned by 119 nations. Providing international communications via Intelsat brought Comsat $105 million income on revenue of $280 million in 1989. Comsat tries to move into less regulated areas of business strategically acquires the Denver Nuggets for $18 million in an effort to gain a foothold in negotiating broadcasting rights.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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