An advanced broadband satellite system offering high-speed Internet access and TV broadcast services

Major advances in satellite technology on the one hand and market demand for small, low-cost user terminals and low service-subscription fees on the other hand have helped pave the way for the introduction of direct-to-consumer satellite services. In view of the emerging large, powerful, versatile satellites and growing consensus among satellite service providers to offer broadcast and high-speed interactive multimedia services both to the same user terminals, an advanced satellite system concept, which can integrate the distinct features of both broadcast and access satellites, while optimizing satellite resources, is proposed. This paper presents the baseline definition of this satellite system, and discusses all major aspects of the system design.