While I do believe that communications satellites will likely be very important, I think you guys are thinking too small.
I think an organization will end up collaborating to create a privatized network which I will tentatively call IT&T(Interstellar Text & Telecommunications) which will work to create a network that everyone will subscribe to as no one will want to try maintaining a large network of satellites.
People who want to enter into a relationship with IT&T, otherwise known as subscribers, will be allowed to use the network for communicate with other subscribers. I can see factions paying to use the network, in fact, large factions will ask for rights to connect with the network through their own communications gear.
