SES Astra’s decision to set up a consortium to develop a low-cost satellite return channel to support interactive TV applications (see Interspace issue 761) for set-top boxes (STBs) was originally an idea that took shape two to three years ago. Astra aims to provide this always-on satellite return path in Ka-band via Astra 1H. The SATMODE project, which is being funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to the tune of 49 million euros ($52.6 million), hopes to see commercial deployment in late 2004.

The idea came into being when SES Astra was working on several due diligence broadband configurations and a design for a next generation broadband system. Christophe Duplay, service development vice president for SES Global, told Interspace: “The objective at the time was to transfer a megabyte of data for something around 5 to 10 cents. It was difficult to demonstrate a sound business case from that. We were hoping to get the terminal prices down to 500 euros ($544.2). Around late 2000, SES came to the conclusion that 500 euros for a DVB-RCS broadband terminal was a long way off. At that stage we were struggling with terminals at 1,000 euros ($1,088). At the same time, the [wireless phone] business made a killing with [text messaging] of 10 to 160 bytes, sold around 10 cents a piece, and most of them were much smaller than 160 bytes, which converted into 1,000 euros per megabyte. We realised we were in the wrong business, a satellite could healthily provide the same service at a fraction of the cost, and price of [wireless].”

In early August 2001, SES engineers created a preliminary concept demonstration where small packets of information (64 bytes) were sent from a regular 60 c dish in Ka-band with a pro 20mW transmitter. At this stage, technical comparisons were being done between Ku-band and Ka-band.

“Ka-band was selected for the return link since this band provides a low interference environment and the available capacity to run the service. In the final system we plan to use 50 to 100mW transmitters for margins, to reach instantaneous rates between 5 to 15kbps with existing Astra capacity. The modem in the set top box will support up to 64 Kbps, but the rate is less important than the ability of the system to handle simultaneous accesses, manage collisions, etc.,” said Duplay.

Duplay believes the potential of such a low-cost satellite-based response channel to direct-to-home STBs can already be seen. “Beyond the economics, SATMODE is about connectivity. It is public knowledge that French pay-TV homes are in the majority not connected, at least not permanently. Even BSkyB, which has a mandatory contract to connect, also stated that they are running into homes without a fixed line … What we wanted to provide was an always-on integrated return link that would not depend on the user, and be accessible by the provider, at any time, even if the TV was off.

He continued: “Today, the satellite operator is cautious about calling the STB, using the consumer’s phone line. In France they don’t do it at all. SATMODE will become the TV provider’s own access, allowing data exchange at any time.”

SES Astra’s main challenge is to design and build a consumer grade system. Duplay is confident that Astra and its partners can have an integrated system ready and in place by the end of this year. “SATMODE is unchartered territory for Astra. This is about the mass consumer using a satellite TV terminal as a micro VSAT. This is no longer about broadband or professional use such as our joint venture with SatLynx. This is aimed at the mass consumer environment … We expect these services to be widely developed over the next five years.”

The ambitious project, announced on Jan. 27, could potentially revolutionise interactive TV across Europe and cut out the use of the telephone return channel and other terrestrial technologies. It will allow pay-TV operators to offer such services as televoting, home shopping, pay-per-view, text messaging, interactive games and gambling.

–Mark Holmes

(Contact: Christophe Duplay, e-mail: Christophe.Duplay@ses-global.com)