Innovation
FCC's AOK with satellite broadband
Federal regulators have given their OK for seven companies, including one backed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, to use low-orbiting satellites to sell broadband Internet access and other data services. The decision paves the way for a new kind of telecommunications satellite to take wing. Low-orbiting satellites can shuttle incredibly fast Internet service--about 20 times the speed of a T1 line--to an antenna on Earth that then distributes it to homes and offices. These satellites are allowed to orbit different locations. Communications satellite company Teledesic was among the companies winning permission. It plans to launch 30 low-orbiting satellites, according to FCC records. Gates and telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw are two major backers of the company. Other investors include Motorola and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. --Ben Charny, Special to ZDNet News
Federal regulators have given their OK for seven companies, including one backed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, to use low-orbiting satellites to sell broadband Internet access and other data services.
The decision paves the way for a new kind of telecommunications satellite to take wing. Low-orbiting satellites can shuttle incredibly fast Internet service--about 20 times the speed of a T1 line--to an antenna on Earth that then distributes it to homes and offices. These satellites are allowed to orbit different locations.
Communications satellite company Teledesic was among the companies winning permission. It plans to launch 30 low-orbiting satellites, according to FCC records. Gates and telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw are two major backers of the company. Other investors include Motorola and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. --Ben Charny, Special to ZDNet News