Direct broadcasting by satellite for the United Kingdom

The 1977 ITU broadcast allocations provide five frequency channels on the 12 GHz microwave band to each of its European member countries. The paper discusses the economic considerations and engineering aspects of implementing Direct Broadcasting Satellite (DBS) services by 1985-1987. A 1984 Ariane-3 launch will lift a package into geosynchronous orbit for the purpose of conducting satellite broadcasting demonstrations and pre-operational testing. Two DBS program services have been proposed by the BBC - subscription television and a national program, UK1 - with the IBA and the BBC sharing regulatory authority