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Old Dec 13, 2013 | 6:22 am
  #14  
sbm12
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Originally Posted by aviators99
Why does this not work outside of the US if it's satellite???
Originally Posted by Out of my Element
If the satellite is geosynchronous over the US, it might not have visibility of the plane outside of a certain range.
Correct. It is based on geosynchronous satellite service, similar to many other communications systems. That means there is not global coverage. A second satellite is expected to launch in 2016 which will increase coverage over LatAm and the Caribbean.

Ku-based satellites (used by Row44 and GoGo's non-ATG services) are also geosynchronous but there are more in the sky right now so, assuming the provider leases time/bandwidth from more than one, it is a bit easier to have broader coverage, though that bandwidth is more expensive than Ka's version.
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