The role of VSATs and other small satellite terminals in the evolving telecommunications environment

Small terminals with dishes ranging from less than 1 m to 2.4 m are commonly used in international satellite systems such as EUTELSAT. Typical applications are: TVROs (TV receive only) for direct TV reception from satellites, SNG (satellite news gathering) with lightweight flyaway antennas, and VSATs (very small aperture terminals) for data distribution or transaction processing networks. The increasing importance of VSAT and other small satellite terminals has been recognized by the ITU, which has carried out extensive studies on these issues and related matters within the ITU-R Sector for the radio aspects and the ITU-T Sector for network and standardization related aspects. The paper discusses the general key aspects including a summary review of the ITU work, and points out some differences which exist between European countries in the perception of the concept of VSAT. It also addresses the use of VSAT and other small terminals in the EUTELSAT system, with particular attention to the provision of services to the many eastern European countries which have become members of the Organization.