Standardization, frequency spectrum and regulatory issues for satellite personal communications

The paper discusses some issues relevant to satellite personal communication networks (S-PCN), showing that substantial international cooperation is required to exploit the huge potential for global market penetration. One of the most crucial issues for the deployment of S-PCN (LEO) systems is represented by the frequency coordination/service licensing. Their “global” nature needs international consensus to avoid “go-no go” issues related to single countries, regardless of their political importance. An attempt is made to identify critical system/service aspects related to the deployment of S-PCN. Those aspects are being addressed in the framework of several projects sponsored by the ITU, ETSI, EC, ..., substantially dealing with equipment standardization and type approval, frequency spectrum allocation and assignment (i.e., licensing), mutual recognition of licenses, multiple-entry provision and so forth. The present situation of “little LEOs”, “big LEOs” and “super LEOs” is summarized, identifying strategic priorities when aiming at deploying satellite personal communication networks