Cost-effective method of data distribution in rural areas using existing satellite video system

Demonstrates how existing satellite television channels can be used to transmit data without degrading the video or audio signals. In this way, information can be distributed over a wide geographical area to provide an additional, economic service. Although applicable to any type of satellite-transmitted video channel, examples will be given of the proposed data distribution system using Ku-band satellites of the `medium-power´ type, such as the EUTELSAT series. These are geostationary satellites which will not require tracking antennas on earth stations, as the cost of the earth station will be an important consideration in any wide-area rural system. The type of data-disintegration system proposed is essentially a `point-to-multipoint´ transmission, using the satellite as a point source. All that is required of the satellite is that the transponder carrying the video signal should have a footprint covering the geographical area under consideration. In the two examples given, Great Britain is used to demonstrate a typical small country-wide applications, whereas Canada has a large area