Concept:
For a transmitting antenna of height \(h\), the line-of-sight distance is:
\[
d = \sqrt{2R_e h}
\]
and the service area on Earth is approximately circular:
\[
A = \pi d^2 = \pi (2R_e h)
\]
Step 1: Apply the area formula directly.
Given:
\[
h = 81~\text{m}, \quad R_e = 6.4 \times 10^6~\text{m}
\]
\[
A = \pi \cdot 2R_e h
= \pi \cdot 2 \cdot (6.4 \times 10^6) \cdot 81
\]
Step 2: Simplify numerical value.
\[
A = 3.1416 \times 2 \times 6.4 \times 81 \times 10^6
\]
\[
2 \times 6.4 = 12.8,\quad 12.8 \times 81 = 1036.8
\]
\[
A = 3.1416 \times 1036.8 \times 10^6
\approx 3257 \times 10^6~\text{m}^2
\]
Step 3: Convert to km\(^2\).
\[
1~\text{km}^2 = 10^6~\text{m}^2
\]
\[
A \approx \frac{3257 \times 10^6}{10^6} = 3257~\text{km}^2
\]
Approximating to the closest option:
\[
\boxed{3251~\text{km}^2}
\]