US Patent 8170474 Satellite assisted radioterminal communications systems and methods

Information is transmitted from a radioterminal to a first base station via a first wireless link. A satellite is used to route the information from the first base station to a second base station via second wireless links between the satellite and the first base station and between the satellite and the second base station. At least one of the second wireless links is more spectrally efficient than the first wireless link. Related methods, systems and devices are disclosed.