Feasibility of mobile satellite service in Alaska

Abstract

Mobile satellite service, expected to be available in North America within a few years, appears to hold great potential for Alaska, particularly in areas away from population centres. This article examines several specific applications which are of interest to Alaska state agencies, and explores the implications of using the new service in these applications. An economic analysis is presented which compares the cost of mobile satellite service with the costs of alternative systems. In Alaska, as elsewhere, the implementation decision must be based on comparisons of both the costs and the operating characteristics of competing systems.