A new study about planned Ka-band satellite systems projects that 190 transponders will be available to provide broadband services by the end of 2004. The 42 commercial Ka-band transponders in orbit at the end of 2002 will be joined this year by about 80 Ka-band transponders, according to telecommunications engineering firm W.L. Pritchard & Co. (Bethesda, Md.). The capacity will grow yet further in 2004 when an additional 68 transponders are expected to be launched aboard commercial satellites.