Chapter 3: Creating a Global Communication Infrastructure

Privatization of Telecommunications: Years ago, the state was the one responsible for regulating the infrastructure, providing equipment and regulating international traffic; however, a shift happened that let to the privatization. Setting common standards for telecommunications networks across the globe and prices for access to and use of these networks was one of the common elements between all the privatized companies, but the state will still subsides, so it can offer access for small users. As telecommunications traffic increased, the need of transnational corporations increased as well. These companies argued that a competitive environment would improve services and reduce costs especially for the international use.

Free Trade In communication: Allowed a more free market where media companies have the right to sell and advertise what and whenever they want. However, there was a tension between the free-marketers and those who argued for a more regulated system to protect domestic market

Privatizing Space: the growth of global communication via the satellites, as mentioned in the book, satellites has become the trade routes in the sky. As we all know, satellites are the essence to a fast and cheap international communication and all this lead to the economic growth. Companies started investing to create satellites and install them in the spaces. Every satellite has to own its own place.

Loral Space Communications: is a leading space and communications company that has built a record of success in the global satellite industry. Since 1957, has built contractfs for more than 196 satellites.

Regional Satellite Service: Regional operators are building alliances to reach more costumers. According to the book, satellite reception has risen from virtually zero to more than 26 per cent of TV households in Europe. In 1999, Astra was carrying more than 400 TV and 300 radio channels, both digital and analogue, to over 74 million homes across Europe. SES also holds a 34 per cent share of AsiaSat, Asia's premier satellite operator, providing broadcast and telecommunications services to 53 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the last decades, Asiasat has become the leading companies in satellites that facilities telecommunication and broadcasting.