rks may combine terrestrial repeater coverage with hybrid MEO and GSO satellite coverage. 16.40 Summary There have been rumblings of discontent in the cellular and terrestrial broadcast community that new generation hybrid satellite terrestrial networks are really terrestrial networks with an ancillary satellite component rather than satellite networks with an ancillary terrestrial component. These networks are being deployed into spectrum that was acquired at a fraction of the cost of recent (past 7 year) cellular spectral investments. A number of the operators have also emerged from Chapter 11 administration with engineering and launch investments largely paid for by their creditors rather than consumers. This would seem to confer an unfair advantage to these companies. This may of course be true but pragmatically there will be a high level of interdepen- dency between satellite /terrestrial ATC networks, terrestrial broadcast and terrestrial cellular networks both at infrastructure and subscriber level. Interdependency implies collaborative profit opportunity. More tellingly, a number of the propositions will have to be closely coupled with already-established terrestrial service providers in order to achieve long-term financial viability. In particular, the significant economies of scale available to the cellular industry effectively dictate the radio functionality included in any handset. Satellite operators need to consider this factor with particular care. The positioning of Eutelsat and SES Astra is potentially 18 http://www.satnews.com/stories2007/4128.htm. Satellite Networks advantageous given their substantial existing satellite and subscriber assets and ability to amortise engineering and marketing investments over a large and secure existing revenue base. Intelsat has potentially similar advantages. S Band payloads on any of these satellites are essentially free. This factor combined with other positive satellite technology and cost trends including lower launch costs, larger more efficient pay loads