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Astranet (Multimedia) VSAT services from Astra |
On 6 Feb 1998 a SES subsidiary called European Satellite Multimedia Services commenced commercial operations with its first service.
The first service provides for Internet content distribution to 50 cm receive only antennas at a data rate of 6 Mbit/s from 19.2E This data rate is time shared amongst many customers. A customer needs a plug-in PC card made by Hughes Network Systems. The card has an F type connector for the cable from the LNB. The card price is approx $260.
The testing phase, involving 500 PC cards, was active in early 1998 with growth to 5000 customers by mid 1998 'expected'.
The return path, for customer requests for information, is by PC modem connected to a terrestrial phone line.
Astra 1H, made by Hughes, is due to be launched early 1999 to 19.2E. This satellite will carry a Ku band broadcast payload providing a back up facility for any part of the Astra system plus a new Astra Return Channel System (ARCS).
Astra 1K, made by Aerospatiale/Alcatel, will be capable of replacing 3 of the first 4 Astra satellites with regard to conventional broadcasting. It will also include coverage and beam enhancements. It is due for launch early 2001. More significantly, for multimedia services, it will incorporate two Ka band transponders for the Astra Return Channel System (ARCS) using 16 uplink spot beams.
Three type of VSAT terminal called "Satellite Interactive Terminal (SIT)" are
envisaged:
SIT 1 60 cm dia 0.5W 150 kbit/s transmit Price approx $1000
SIT II 90 cm dia 1W 384 kbit/s transmit
SIT III 120 cm dia 2W 2 Mbit/s transmit
I've received an email telling me about a new service called Astra2connect and have started a new Astra2connect forum so people can discuss it.
Page started 12 Jan 1999, last amended 1st April 2008
Please help with updates and new information.
email to Eric Johnston
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