Introduction
The globalization concept comprises of a variety of meanings which reflect on the diminishing significance of state boundaries together with the rise of the global economic, as well as, social processes. Globalization analysts have put their primary focus on issues e.g. expansion of the global trade, increase in transnational entities and even the increasing tensions between cultures and metropolitan practices. A fundamental element in this transformative process has been the implementation, as well as, the development of the satellite telecommunications system. The telecommunication satellite, an integral element of globalization, was developed in the early 1960s by Marshall McLuhan, who was a popular theorist of the media then. He perceived the world as a global village partly because of the potential that the new technology held. Telecommunication satellites created the chances for worldwide communications, propaganda and also education. The following article will, therefore, assess the relationship between the satellite telecommunication system as a network technology and the process of globalization.
The development of the satellite telecommunication system became a powerful asset in the process of globalization. Notably, it culminated in the domination of the markets of the world by worldwide corporations which in essence experience minute competition because of their large market force. Currently, as a result, of the satellite telecommunication systems, the multinationals that are based in the industrialized parts of the world have the access to every part of the world. With the current faster growth of the sectors of communication, globalization is also improving at an unprecedented rate. Through the examination of the history of the technologies used in communication, since launching the first satellite into space some 40 years ago, there has been a boost in international trade in terms of imports and exports. Besides, the summer Olympic Games and the world cup are now watched by more than two billion people all over the world whenever they take place. Notably, Ilcev (2011) mentions that this has made great developments in the entire world.
Being one of the earliest and particularly the most significant and direct application of the exploration of the space to solve social problems, telecommunication satellites played a significant part in space race, as well as, the cold war competition between the Soviet Union and the US. Essentially, the system was responsible for the dramatic attainments in space exploitation and exploration. The cold war encompassed not only the zeal for the superiority of the military but also a concerted effort to demonstrate the preeminence of states in science and technology. This would adequately serve as a way of asserting the political leadership of the globe. As such, the satellite telecommunication system made life appear as a great appeal because of the conveniences that it created. Worth noting is that this has not only been instrument to the developed countries but the entire world.
The satellite telecommunication system has presented numerous possibilities to the society. Satellite telecommunication systems can inherently ‘shrink' various distances as a result of their capacity of covering enormous expanses of the surface of the earth. As a consequence of the system offering communication facilities in the globe, it has enabled countries to speak with other countries thus fostering their relationships. Besides, Zain (2016) asserts that it has offered an inexpensive, as well as, an instant way for a communication center to reach out to a large population that may be thinly spread over a large locality.
Obviously, the use of the satellite telecommunication systems for the television traffic has been the dominative factor of this revolution. This means that the potential impacts of the system have rapidly spread to the ordinary lives of humans basically in every corner of the world. As a result, the dissemination of information has been made possible. Also, keeping touch with the current trends happening in the world has been promoted.
The satellite technologies significantly contribute to the globalization of the services of telecommunication systems. Because the system is presently indispensable to the social and economic activities, primary issues such as security, as well as, reliability of the systems have over time emerged. Information retrieval through the use of the concept is thus gaining importance globally. Notably, this would provide the opportunities for merging different modes of services into an integrated whole. Together, both globalization and the satellite telecommunication systems have relationships, as well as, interconnections that are a huge representation of the historically unprecedented processes which are quickly shaping the context of conducting different activities.
Globalization has received credit for increasing the transparency of the world. Satellite telecommunication systems have hugely participated in this sphere. Presently, various governments can analyze, research and also exchange data with each other thereby leading to an improvement incorporation between them. Slotten (2002) mentions that the availability of multi-national brands in the entire world is also an important symbolic manifestation of the concept of globalization. Such brands include Coca-Cola and McDonalds. Their presence in different countries has an enormous dependence on the availability of telecommunication technologies for them to successfully run their entities.
As globalization was setting the stage, the satellite telecommunication systems were gradually becoming a more worldwide industry with the competition tremendously increasing. Besides, new developments have had significant impacts on the restructuring of the industry. Various technological breakthroughs that have been experienced in the satellite telecommunication alone depict that the system rapidly moves information, innovations and also inventions across state boundaries, as well as, borders. These shifts in globalization and telecommunication systems have significantly reshaped several primary technologies. Notably, they have also reshaped the human lives in the entire world.
Essentially, globalization cannot be regarded as being exclusive since it comprises the whole world. Haberle & Herter (1971) notes that it is fundamental that various corrective mechanisms are undertaken for purposes of ensuring that the weaker sections of the society aren’t neglected. Tremendous progress has been made in developing states and as a result, they have started encouraging their societies to become acquainted with the latest improvements in the satellite telecommunication systems. One should realize that the system has played a fundamental role in the spread of globalization. Its input in furthering the developments that have so far been witnessed cannot be underrated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of the satellite telecommunications system has undoubtedly culminated in several facilities which are both useful, as well as, commonplace in the society. The process has boosted globalization by bringing newer, faster and more efficient communication systems. (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 1999, p. 45). With an increasing dependence on communication, the community needs an extensive information stock and an efficient way for the selective access. Ultimately, the objective of the satellite telecommunication system in globalization is to promote a mutual comprehension, as well as, enrich different cultures on a worldwide basis.
References
Haberle, H., & Herter, E. (1971). A Proposal for the Interworking of Reassignment Satellite and Terrestrial Systems with Demand-Assignment Satellite Systems in Interregional Telecommunication Networks. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 19(2), 205-210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/tcom.1971.1090629
Hitt, M., Ireland, R., & Hoskisson, R. (1999). Strategic management. Cincinnati: South-Western College Pub.
Ilcev, D. (2011). Development and characteristics of African Satellite Augmentation System (ASAS) network. Telecommunication Systems, 52(1), 121-137. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11235-011-9464-x
Slotten, H. (2002). Satellite Communications, Globalization, and the Cold War. Technology and Culture, 43(2), 315-350. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/tech.2002.0088
Zain, J. (2016). Globalization and Telecommunication Technologies. Academia.edu. Retrieved 29 January 2016, from http://www.academia.edu/714202/Globalization_and_Telecommunication_Technologies
