Equipped with a range of applications, INSPIRE not only proves the commercial viability of such a service, but also demonstrates the benefits of both basic and advanced broadband services. The applications have been designed especially with rural users in mind.
Key among these is a Community Channel, which will allow users to create their own community websites with locally produced content. This is especially important for local businesses which could otherwise not afford such a capability.
The INSPIRE applications also include an Entertainment Channel, which will bring the advantages of digital television to homes previously without this service. They will be able to vote for their favourite sports, comedy or music shows and schedule viewing times.
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Because rural residents are not only far from urban centres, but also far from other members of their own community, other applications have been added. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) can be used as an alternative to telephone. Eventually the service will offer Video-Chat for residential users and Video-Conferencing applications for businesses. This is vital in helping users stay in touch with each other. |
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Applications alone will not bridge the Digital Divide. To be a success any solution also needs to be affordable. Although typically more expensive than terrestrial solutions, advances have increased the competitiveness of satellite broadband. Avanti chose the innovative approach of combining DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite) with Wi-Fi.
DVB-RCS and Wi-Fi are often thought of as competing technologies. Although both technologies are standard platforms DVB-RCS terminals in a 'stand-alone' configuration are, however, generally considered too expensive for the typical residential user.
To reduce this cost, Avanti is connecting these DVB-RCS terminals to Wi-Fi transceivers. One terminal can be shared by up to a group of ten users, creating islands of broadband connectivity. This means that users can take full advantage of DVB-RCS and only pay for the much less expensive Wi-Fi equipment.
Currently Newtec of Belgium is supplying Avanti with the DVB-RCS terminals, but to prove the interoperability of their system and in anticipation of increased demand, Avanti plans to offer an Open Tender in late 2006 for other suppliers.
HYLAS
That INSPIRE promises to be a success means that Avanti will be able to now fully exploit HYLAS the Highly Adaptable Satellite to be built by EADS Astrium. Planned for launch in late 2008, HYLAS' main purpose is to provide broadband Internet access and to distribute/broadcast HDTV across Europe.
 HYLAS flexible broadband satellite |
It will be able to handle traffic for up to 300,000 users at the same time. The use of high gain Ka-Band spot beams allows up to 6 simultaneously active spots, equivalent to more than 40 conventional 33 MHz transponders. |
On what INSPIRE will mean for users, Mr Roberto Donadio, Applications and Standardization Principal Engineer for ESA Telecom stated, "Up to now broadband access via satellite has been limited to small trials and has seen limited commercial deployment. INSPIRE will demonstrate that a large scale deployment is possible. Users who would otherwise be left unserved will gain access to Broadband Internet. This provides an example of how space based solutions can help bridge the Digital Divide."
To read more what the European Space Agency is doing to help bridge the Digital Divide and more about INSPIRE or HYLAS, the flexible broadband satellite, click under related links at the top-right of this page.All images Courtesy Avanti Screenmedia Group
