4.4 Satellite Technologies comparable to DSL or cable, depending on the mar-ket). Stimulus funds could also be used to increase Satellite technologies can play a vital role in the pro-vision bandwidth. In all these cases, the satellite industry can boost broadband penetration, provide better service to underserved areas rapidly and generate sig-nifi of a host of communication services. Satellites can provide vital spare back-up capacity to long-haul fi bre, in addition to acting as a ‘gap-fi ller’ for low-density cant employment in various associated industries routes and service provision for remote and (e.g. installers, operating technicians, sales force etc.), another major goal of economic stimulus plans. rural areas.86 Despite the capital-intensive nature of the industry, growth and demand projections for the satellite industry have barely been dented during the economic downturn. This is partly due to the long lead times involved in planning and launch-ing However, some commentators have expressed con-cern that making stimulus funds conditional on net-work neutrality or network management regulations may raise issues of service quality degradation for satellite broadband services (as these are dependent on TCP acceleration to compensate for the negative effects that the satellite delay).87 They suggest that this could pose problems for some satellite providers and make them reluctant to accept stimulus funds. a satellite (with current launch activity refl ect-ing projects planned 2-3 years ago). However, the satellite industry can also provide broadband Internet connectivity at virtually zero additional marginal cost once the satellite is deployed (Insight 13), which can make satellite operators good candidates for stimulus funding in some countries. Euroconsult notes that “the ongoing global economic crisis will have only a limited impact on the industry. Governments around the world remain commit-ted Proponents of the satellite industry contend that satellite providers are well-equipped to deliver broadband to underserved areas quickly (Insight 13). Stimulus funds could be used to subsidize installa-tion to space technology development and only a small number of commercial satellite operators with business or fi nancing issues will be affected by the costs or reduce monthly fees (and making them 74 Confronting the Crisis: ICT Stimulus Plans for Economic Growth