Integration of satellite and terrestrial systems in future multimedia communications

In this article we examine the role of satellite
\ncommunications in future telecommunication
\nnetworks and service provision. Lessons from the
\npast indicate that satellites are successful as a
\nresult of their wide area coverage or speed to
\nmarket for new services. Niche areas such as
\ncoverage of air and sea will persist, but for land
\nmasses convergence of fixed, mobile, and broadcasting
\nwill dictate that the only way forward for
\nsatellites is in an integrated format with terrestrial
\nsystems. We outline future ways forward for
\nsatellites, and discuss the research challenges
\nand technology advances needed to facilitate this
\nintegrated approach.