What is a common application of satellite communication?

Satellite communication plays a crucial role in global positioning systems (GPS) by providing the necessary signals to determine precise location information. GPS relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, which continuously transmit signals to GPS receivers on the ground. By triangulating the time it takes for signals from multiple satellites to reach the receiver, the system can calculate the user's location with remarkable accuracy.

In contrast, local area networks (LAN), Wi-Fi hotspots, and Bluetooth communications are technologies designed for short-range connectivity and do not typically utilize satellite systems. LANs operate within a limited geographical area, such as a home or office, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are intended for device-to-device communications within close proximity. Thus, while these options are all vital in their contexts, none of them serve the broader communication capabilities and global coverage provided by satellite communication like GPS does.