Importance

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Abstract

A hybrid satellite communications system provides communications, particularly Internet access, to computer users. The hybrid satellite communications system includes a satellite system and a terrestrial communications system. The satellite system includes two transceivers. The first transceiver receives and transmits a first set of signals received from the terrestrial communications system to a plurality of user units. In reverse fashion, the satellite systems second transceiver receives a second set of signals in a second frequency band from the user units and transmits those signals back to the terrestrial communications system. The first set of signals (downlink signals) are of much higher frequency than the second set of signals (uplink signals). Preferably, the first set of signals are relayed by a Direct Broadcast System (DBS) satellite in a frequency band between 12.2 GHz and 12.9 GHz, while the second set of signals are relayed by a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite operating between 1.0 GHz and 3.0 Ghz, or relayed by a terrestrial node operating between 0.8 and 2.0 Ghz. The differences in frequency between the first set of signals and second set of signals is considered optimal for the transmission and receipt of communications between a computer user with the Internet. Moreover, the present invention is capable of using the present communications infrastructures dedicated to the satellite transmission of television via DBS satellites, satellite cellular communications via MSS satellites, and radio communications via terrestrial cellular systems.

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First Claim