Satellite-Fed Networks

Satellite-based Translator Networks Can Extend Your Station's Reach

Public radio has never been more popular, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for more growth. In fact, there are still many communities across the country without access to the informative, compelling programming that public radio delivers. Perhaps the population in these communities is too small to support a dedicated station. Mountains and other geographic obstacles may interfere with broadcast signal reception and microwave repeater technology. Or, distance may make it cost-prohibitive to bring a public radio signal to these remote communities using a typical system of interconnected terrestrial translators and repeaters.

Whatever the reason, there is a solution—a satellite-fed network. Using the same reliable infrastructure that supports the PRSS, satellite-fed networks provide a cost-effective, comprehensive solution for extending your station's coverage to new audiences—no matter where they are located.

"In Montana, it's difficult to come up with strings of translators when there are a lot of mountains," says Charles Lubrecht, technical director at KUFM/KGPR in Missoula. "[Using a satellite-based translator system,] we went from serving 40% of the population to serving close to 90% of the population."

With a satellite-fed network, your station's broadcast signal is digitally encoded and uplinked from your primary location to the satellite. From the satellite, the signal is broadcast to all of the other stations and transmitters in your network. All that is needed is a clear view of the sky at each location, and the transmission costs are the same for locations that are 20 or 200 miles away.

With a satellite-fed network, your station�s audio programming is converted to digital by an audio encoder, then to an RF signal by a satellite modem for uplink to our satellite. The signal is broadcast by satellite to your remote locations, who receive it using either Ku or C-band satellite downlink equipment.

"A satellite-fed network system can eliminate the middle man by reducing the need for extra towers and other equipment," explains Si Sikes, acting general manager of Red River Radio, which uses such a system to send its signal from Louisiana State University in Shreveport to listeners throughout East Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and parts of Mississippi.

The cost of installing and operating a satellite-based translator network is often significantly less than that of an interconnected terrestrial system. Plus, a satellite distribution platform has far fewer potential points of failure compared to a far-flung network of terrestrial towers and repeaters. And, with a satellite system, adding a new station to your network is as easy as installing a satellite dish and receiver at the location.

Satellite-fed network solutions are available using either Ku-band satellite capacity and equipment (which is generally less expensive), and C-band satellite capacity and equipment (which is less susceptible to weather-related interference). PRSS representatives can help you determine the right technology for your location and application.

And, as with all PRSS services, satellite-fed networks are supported on a 24-hour-a-day basis by experienced professionals, who have distributed public radio programming across the country for more than 20 years.

The Advantages of Satellite versus Terrestrial Translator Networks

Coverage—satellite networks can reach any location in the U.S., including Alaska. All that is needed is a clear view of the sky.

Reliability—satellite networks have far fewer points of failure than terrestrial networks, every mile of which are susceptible to natural or human-caused damage.

Affordability—satellite equipment and operation costs are often significantly less than comparable terrestrial solutions.

Flexibility—because the satellite signal reaches everywhere, adding a new location to your network is quick and affordable, with no prohibitive construction costs.

To learn more about satellite-fed network solutions, please contact the Business Affairs office at 202.513.2618 or via email at prssbusiness@npr.org.