Broadcasting of sound radio programmes by satellite direct to portable and vehicle receivers - A proposal for Africa

It is pointed out that sound broadcasting by satellite directly to portable receivers would provide total national coverage and would require zero maintenance. The satellite technology is proven, and the additions necessary to the portable receiver will not add greatly to its cost and complexity. Satellites the size of the ESA L-Sat/Olympus could provide direct broadcast of sound radio at a cost similar to that of ground networks. Large satellites of this type could broadcast 20 channels or more; these could be shared by the various countries of a region. A table is included giving technical data of sound radio broadcasting coverage. The type of modulation is FM; the type of polarization is circular; the carrier deviation is + or - 75 kHz; and the noise bandwidth is 250 kHz.