Overview of TCTS satellite service applications

An overview is presented of existing satellite service applications of the TransCanada Telephone System (TCTS) and its member companies, and future plans considered of significant interest to the business community are highlighted. TCTS currently manages two major long-haul message trunking networks over satellite to augment to capacity of existing terrestrial facilities and to provide route diversity. The history and operation of these message trunking applications are described. Video service applications of TCTS are briefly considered, including educational and pay-TV services and the CBC network. Business and special service applications include transportable earth station service and customer high-speed data services. Future service applications are addressed.