VSAT describes a small terminal that can be used for one-way and/or two-waycommunications via satellite. VSAT networks offer value-added satellite-based services capable of supporting the Internet, data, video, LAN, voice/fax communications. They are becoming increasingly popular, because VSAT technology provides a single, flexible communications platform that can be installed quickly and cost effectively to provide telecoms solutions.

From banks to administrations, schools, hospitals, and rural telecommunications, VSAT systems are being seized upon to elevate economic, educational, and health standards.

Applications include:

* Interactive Data: point-of-sale terminal to host, inventory checks, financial data transfer and process control, database access, inquiry-response, X.25 packet networks.

* System control and data distribution: Corporate VSAT networks, pipeline monitoring and flow control, electric power grid control.

* Broadcast Data: Commercial or corporate VSAT networks; transmission of database information, news, weather reports, etc.

* Business Video: Broadcast VSAT networks with intra- and inter-company distribution of high quality video, audio and data for news, sales, marketing, personnel management, etc.

VSAT technology has been in use for more than 10 years and, with close to one million systems , VSATs are a mature and proven technology.