However, its price tag is equally daunting, and the project faces formidable financing challenges. However, these projects remain highly speculative and are unlikely to advance beyond the research stage any time soon. Much depends on how second-generation systems handle their difficulties. Certainly, global demand for Internet-based services and faster connection speeds will continue to fuel efforts to deliver broadband services from space. Thus, the future is bright for new-generation satellites that can keep their costs in line with those of their terrestrial rivals.
Wild cards are ideas and events well off the current trend lines in the business environment.
An increasing number of business processes, including contracts and customer support, fall prey to automation. Corporations continue courting educational institutions as the institutions, in turn, look for business opportunities on the World Wide Web. What people do with mobile data is far more important to them than which specific technologies or networks they employ. The most important factor that will fuel growth for mobile-data business will be demand for the benefits conferred by the new platforms and services. The Threat to Newspapers and Newsprint examines implications of the advent of Internet publishing, advertising, and commerce for all print media.