VSAT FREQUENCIES


Whatever business you are in, we can help you decide which type of satellite coverage and frequency band you need.

For your convenience, we've assembled a complete list of center frequencies for each transponder on all our available satellites, as well as digital frequency assignments for occasional use:

  
C-band is characterized by larger antennas and is preferred by a variety of full-time service providers.
C-band ("compromise" band) is a portion of electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies ranging from 4 to 6 GHz -- normally downlink 3.7 4.2 GHz, uplink 5.9 6.4 GHz.



Ku-band services generally use smaller antennas and have become more common for home use. The Ku-band ("kay-yoo" kurz-under band) frequencies ranging from 12 to 18 GHz.


The new Ka-band frequencies represent the leading edge for advanced services. The Ka band (kurz-above band) ranges from 18 to 40 GHz.


Frequencies


C-band ("compromise" band) is a portion of electromagnetic spectrum inthe microwave range of frequencies ranging from 4 to 6 GHz.

C-band is primarily used for satellite communications, normally downlink 3.7 4.2 GHz, uplink 5.9 6.4 GHz, usually 24 36-MHz transponders on board a satellite. Most C band satellites use linear polarization, while a handful (particularly older Intelsat satellites) use circular polarization.

The applications include full-time satellite TV networks or raw satellite feeds, although subscription programming also exists. There are over thirty C-band satellites in Geosynchronous orbit, which provide more than 1,000 video channels and countless audio services. In the past, direct C-Band reception was the only satellite television option available to consumers. Since the introduction of high-powered direct broadcast satellite systems, which normally used small 18-inch (45 cm) stationary dishes (in contrast to the large dishes and motors required by C-Band systems) in the middle 1990's, the number of homes using C-Band satellite systems in theUnited States for general reception has vastly declined while small-dish systems enjoyed unprecedented success, depending on the coverage area (mainly USA, Canada, Central Europe). Despite this, C-Band satellites continue to be a key important distribution method for cable networks (to cable head-ends and mini-dish DBS services) and other network/broadcast users. For example, most satellite-distributed syndicated and network television shows are pre-aired for affiliate and pick-up by C-Band. Radio stations picking up satellite-fed programming also constitute an important user of C-Band.

Typical antenna sizes on C-band capable systems for home reception range in the Americas from 7.5 to 12 feet (2 to 3.5 m). In other regions of the world, such as Europe and parts of Asia, considerably smaller dishes can be used due to high-powered satellites in this band and more distance between satellites in the orbital arc (as opposed to the two-degree spacing common over North America).

C-Band usage is less common in Europe, where the Ku band has traditionally dominated. In many parts of the world, C-Band is often used to cover a very broad area, for example all of Africa or China. Indeed, many C-Band satellites have "global" beams with gigantic coverage areas. For example, the global beam of a satellite positioned at the 78.5 E orbital slot (over the Indian Ocean) has a coverage range extending over most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

C-Band direct-to-home reception contrasts with the newer and now more common direct broadcast satellite, which is a completely closed system used to deliver subscription programming to small satellite dishes connected to proprietary receiving equipment .

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The Ku band ("kay-yoo" kurz-underband) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies rangingfrom 12 to 18 GHz.

Ku band is primarily used for satellite communications, particularly for satellite backhauls from remote locations back to a television network's studio for editing and broadcasting.

Ku band is split into multiple segments that vary by geographical region by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Several highly used segments in the Americas (ITU Region 2) are:
The 11.7 to 12.2 GHz band is allocated to the fixed satellite service, uplink 14.0 to 14.5 GHz. There are more than 22 Ku-band satellites orbiting over North America, each carrying 12 to 24 transponders, 20 to 120 watts per transponder, and requiring a 0.8-m to 1.5-m antenna for clear reception. The 12.2 to 12.7 GHz segment is allocated to the BSS (broadcasting satellite service). BSS/DBS directbroadcast satellites normally carry 16 to 32 transponders of 27 MHz bandwidth running at 100 to 240 watts of power, allowing the use of receiver antennas as small as 18 inches (45 cm).

Several highly used segments in Europe and Africa (ITU Region 1) are:
The 11.45 to 11.7 and 12.5 to 12.75 GHz bands are allocated to the fixed satellite service, uplink 14.0 to 14.5 GHz).

The 11.7 to 12.5 GHz segment is allocated to the broadcasting satellite service.

Other ITU allocations have been made within the Ku band to the Fixed Service (microwave towers), Radio Astronomy Service, Space Research Service, Mobile Service, Mobile Satellite Service, Radiolocation Service( radar), and Radionavigation. However, not all of these services are actually operating in this band and others are only minor users.


The Ka band (kurz-above band) is a portion oft he K band of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ka-band roughly ranges from 18 to 40 GHz. The 20/30 GHz band is used incommunications satellites, downlink 18.3 18.8 GHz and 19.7 20.2 GHz.The term Ka-band is frequently used to refer to the recommended operating frequencies of WR-28 rectangular waveguide, which is 26.5 to 40.0 GHz.

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