Why is it so difficult for wifi companies to provide international internet access?

The number one reason for most of these type questions is money and government restrictions, but besides that, what is in the way? I travel a lot, and I'm fed up with phone roaming fees and searching internet hot spots. I've talked to 3 different leading wifi providers today (boingo, datajack, and truconnect), and I've researched Europe's vodafone. However, these companies can only provide mobile internet for pads and mobile devices in a centralized area. Japan has the most advanced wifi technology in the world, but you have to live in Japan to get it. What is holding companies back from the obvious? People want wireless internet for a flat affordable rate no matter where they travel. It's my understanding that although it would require a substantial monetary investment, a company would simply need to acquire or rent one of earth's many available major satellites, and basically sell midi devices or provide a worldwide hot spot for a low monthly fee. It would put virtually every cellphone company out of business, but the industry is becoming ridiculous anyway. Also, putting companies out of business has never brought tech advancement to a complete stop before, so what's holding them back now?

You answered a good part of your own question in the first sentence. In addition, consider the possibility that this is more of problem for you because you travel a lot. The bulk of the world's population doesn't. It would be difficult to convince 90 percent of the population to pay for something that would only benefit 10 percent.

It would also require lot of cooperation between countries on content and censorship issues, collecting the money and a host of other problems. We live in a world where nations can't agree on policies for preventing self destruction of the planet. It's hard to imagine them finding agreement on what you describe.