VSATS and VADS

Presents a new concept of using a broadcast data system to enhance a value added and data service (VADS) business. A satellite data broadcasting system is selected as the delivery mechanism but the principle applies equally well with terrestrial systems such as those which use the capacity provided by the blank lines of a broadcast television channel or the capacity provided by a subcarrier transmitted with a sound radio channel. The authors start by examining the nature of VADS, firstly from a regulatory viewpoint, then an information technology perspective and subsequently from a data communications standpoint. They then look at satellite data broadcast systems, also known as one way VSATs (very small aperture terminals), and considers how these can be integrated with VADS networks. The combination of VADS and VSATs is examined from an information technology viewpoint to see whether the combination offers more than the two parts.<>