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Abstract
Rural telephony has been on the agenda of governments and international organizations for years. Cost is the largest hurdle. Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) solutions allow for reliable data, voice and video communications using small satellite antennas. VSAT vendors have succeeded in steadily lowering the price of the terminals while increasing their features and functionality. The idea is to give rural subscribers what they need, and not make them pay for what they do not need. Smaller rural populations may be happy to finally have even one or two telephone lines in their village. The risk of investment in an unproven rural area is overcome with VSAT technology. The first line in a village can be installed for a minimal investment. This line becomes profitable soon after deployment and, as traffic increases, the number of channels can be increased at little marginal cost.