In 1966, the first Pacific communications satellite, Intelsat 2, was launched.
Launched for placement above the Pacific, Intelsat 2 failed to achieve synchronous orbit. Despite this, it was used to transmit live television and other communications traffic.
Learn more at http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/376/intelsat_ii/intelsat_ii.html.