Despite strides toward greater competition in the global market for telecommunications services, Teledesic has positioned itself to dominate the future market for satellite-based wireless services by acquiring a single, key radio spectrum license.
The license - a deed to 500 MHz of valuable Ka-band real estate - granted Teledesic the right to build a roving global satellite network over which to provide an array of entertainment and high-capacity data and communications services, dubbed the "Internet in the Sky." And with that came a commanding lead in what is turning into the new "Space Race." Teledesic was the first to propose using this new low-earth orbit satellite technology to expand the definition of a wide-area network. Now the rest of the commercial satellite industry is racing frantically to catch up.
By being first to the punch, Teledesic has virtual reign over 500 MHz of Ka-band spectrum worldwide - a windfall that belies the company's extensive regulatory savvy and lobbying efforts. And with headliners Bill Gates and Craig McCaw (each of whom have a 30.1 percent stake in the company) at the helm, Teledesic is dictating the course this new global communications business will follow - even before it launches its first satellite.
The new game rules established under Teledesic's dominance are shaping the new satellite economy into a realm in which effective campaigners hold sway over regulators around the world and, more importantly, over a global population of consumers starving for bandwidth and connectivity.
In a four-day special report, Wired News looks at the nascent satellite economy and Teledesic's formative role in it:
Tuesday - Teledesic Mounts Lead in the New Space Race.
Wednesday - SkyBridge, Celestri Hustle to Catch Up.
Thursday - Have Launchpad, Will Travel.
Friday - Welcome to the Celestial Junkyard.
