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Satellite-based cellular telecommunications system utilizing an earth station subsystem

  • US 5,937,352 A
  • Filed: 05/13/1996
  • Issued: 08/10/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/13/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A subsystem in a satellite based telecommunications system of the type having at least one satellite which supports communications between user terminals and earth stations, said subsystem comprising:

  • a first earth station for establishing a communications link through a satellite with a user terminal when said user terminal and said earth station are both covered by a satellite generated coverage area that moves with movement of said satellite;

    a first MSC/VLR having a mobile services switching center (MSC) and a visitor locator register (VLR), said first MSC/VLR registering, in each instance independently of said satellite generated coverage area movement, terminal information for terminals located in a first geographically fixed location area assigned to said MSC/VLR;

    an earth station network, interconnecting said first earth station and first MSC/VLR, for carrying communications data therebetween; and

    a terrestrial network, connected to said first MSC/VLR, adapted to carry communications data to and from a public telephone system.

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