Basic difference between satellite and terrestrial communication system?

Satellite microwave transmission systems are similar to terrestrial microwave systems except that the signal travels from a ground station on Earth to a satellite and back to another ground station on Earth, thus achieving much greater distances than earthbound line-of-sight transmissions.

Microwave communication requires line of sight and uses towers to transmit information, and hence have relatively smaller area coverage (generally 25-30 miles). One tower receives a signal, amplifies it, and sends it to the next tower. The microwave systems have the capability to carry large amount of data both digital and analog at high speed, and are mostly used for the transmission of telephone and television signals.

Satellite communication covers a wider area due to its location, and is more useful for isolated locations (locations surrounded by oceans, mountains, or other geographic limitations)