Virtual Geo(TM) will provide state-of-the-art, affordable, digital, high data rate services to all of the world’s populated land masses through a combination of user and gateway links in the C-band and Ku-bands, as well as through inter-satellite links in the optical frequencies. The Virtual Geo(TM) constellation, though operating at non-geostationary altitudes, will appear virtually geostationary to users within the system’s coverage area. Since the Virtual Geo(TM) satellites are active only when the satellites are at high latitudes over their primary service areas and at relatively high elevation angles for many users, Virtual Geo(TM) achieves an optimized combination of good satellite visibility, low signal propagation delays (compared to geostationary satellites), limited satellite handoffs, and the distribution of capacity between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres relative to demand. And Virtual Geo(TM) does so in a manner that is effectively transparent to the current geostationary satellite services. Virtual Geo(TM) satellites are separated from the geostationary arc by at least 40 degrees at all times. This key feature of the virtual geostationary concept means that Virtual Geo(TM) fully protects the current geostationary systems. [BACK]