Integration of the Intelsat system into the world's terrestrial telecommunications networks

The Intelsat system has been a pioneer in the introduction and development of a commercial telecommunications satellite system operating at geosynchronous altitudes. Initially, the major problems were primarily related to coexistence with terrestrial microwave systems operating at 6 and 4 GHz and with the 'echo' problem. In the present paper, the manner in which these problems have been solved is described, and the major markstones in the development of the Intelsat system are examined. Planned expansion into new frequency bands and introduction of wideband digital transmissions is noted.