INTERNATIONAL PROLIFERATION OF SATELLITE DELIVERY SERVICES: INTELSAT, COMPETITION AND PROSPECTS FOR DERIVATIVE BENEFITS TO EDUCATION

This study is an analysis of educational space applications and the potential impact of international satellite competition, for the purpose of examining whether some telecommunications experts and policymakers think competition can facilitate the educational application of satellite technology by some developing countries. It will provide developing country policymakers, educational planners and others with information that is needed for prudent decisionmaking and planning in the space applications area.;The work is divided into two major parts. Part I assesses the feasibility of educational applications of satellite technology in some developing countries by using three criteria: (a) the existence of space technology worldwide; (b) developing country access to such technology; and (c) policymaker reaction to educational satellite projects at the University of the West Indies and in India.;Part II examines the potential impact of international satellite competition, and its potential implications for the educational application of space technology in some developing countries, by analyzing expert opinion on the following issues: (a) the technical capability and service policy of private satellite carriers; (b) the potential benefits and disadvantages of satellite competition with respect to consumers, INTELSAT and developing countries; and (c) the effect of U.S. and international regulatory restrictions on private satellite carrier ability to serve developing countries.;Information was collected by document analysis and through interviews with telecommunications experts and policymakers from developing countries, private industry, federal agencies, the United Nations and academic institutions.;The study finds, inter alia, that (a) INTELSAT is presently the only realistic space segment access option for many developing countries, and (b) the feasibility of educational satellite projects in developing countries appears to depend largely on the amount of high-level political support in a given country for such projects.;It also concludes that international satellite competition potentially will create more space segment access options for some developing countries within the coverage areas of private satellite carriers. However, the findings are inconclusive as to whether such countries would use private carrier facilities for educational purposes. The author suggests that the educational use of private carrier facilities might appeal to developing countries that are committed to, or are interested in, educational satellite projects.