Communications: Coherent optical communication shows promise, the FCC continues on its path of deregulation, and satellite communications go high-frequency

Abstract

In 1985, giant steps were taken in bringing the integrated services digital network (ISDN) to fruition around the world. This progress was aided by the continued installation of fiber-optic systems. Meanwhile, in laboratories around the world, more bandwidth-distance records were set in tests of fiber-optic components, the big news being that for the first time coherent optical transmission had begun to exceed records set by conventional direct-detection methods. Satellite communications moved to higher frequencies, with more countries launching such satellites, and mobile satellite communications moved closer to reality. The merging of communications with computer services also drew closer. In television in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission abolished a long-standing rule that cable television systems must carry all broadcast signals above a certain strength in their area, sparking a major controversy.