Wide area diversity for VSAT networks

In general, the VSAT system architecture lends itself more readily to standalone private networks. However, very few organisations are of a size that can justify a dedicated corporate VSAT network. Telesat saw an opportunity to employ its considerable experience in satellite communications to provide a shared-hub VSAT service in Canada and in so doing established the world´s first commercial shared-hub VSAT service. The author describes the significant factors involved in setting up the service, highlights the successes that have been achieved and suggests the future direction.<>