VSAT, Very Small Aperture Terminal MHSSC, small earth stations satellite communications

2021: Russians will be able to connect to the satellite Internet without permission from the authorities

The State Commission on Radio Frequencies (GCRF) at its next meeting will consider the issue of simplified use of VSAT fixed satellite terminals. This follows from the draft decision of the commission. This became known on November 17, 2021.

The possibility of using VSAT Russia in was legalized back in 1998. Then the concept of terrestrial small stations was defined, the satellite communications diameter of the antennas of which should be less than 3.8 m. In order to use VSAT for each station, it was necessary to draw up a separate RCPF solution.

In 2004, the SCR introduced the possibility of using VSAT in a simplified manner - without obtaining separate decisions of the commission and permission to use frequencies. This decision concerned the frequency bands 14.33-14.37 GHz and 14.408-14.5 GHz (Earth-space) and 10.7-11.7 GHz (space-Earth) working with domestic satellite devices Yamal and Express. At the same time, the transmitter power should not exceed 2 W, the EIIM value (effective isotropically radiated power) should be 50 dBW, the antenna diameter should be no more than 2.4 m.

The registration of the VSAT station began on the basis of a permit issued to the owner of the central station of the corresponding satellite network. Subsequently, in 2008, the simplified order was extended to separate sections of strip 14 -14.399 GHz (Earth-space) and bands 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 12.65-12.75 GHz (space-Earth) and one category of VSAT stations.

Then, in 2010, the simplified order was extended to the frequency bands 14.399-1.45 GHz (Earth-space), 10.95-11.2GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 12.5-12.275 GHz (space-Earth) and three categories of VSAT stations. Decisions from 2008 and 2010 also related to VSAT stations operating through the Yamal and Express spacecraft.

Now the commission intends to summarize the previous decisions regarding VSAT and expand their scope. The materials of the commission note that VSAT are used in Russia to solve social problems and develop a single information infrastructure. Also, when making a decision, it will take into account the experience of using VSAT in the implementation of national projects.

As of November 2021, it is proposed to allocate the frequency bands 13.75-14.5 GHz (Earth-space) and 10.7-11.7, GHz, 12.5-12.75 GHz (space-Earth) for the use of VSAT stations. The use of the relevant terminals will be possible without issuing separate RCPF decisions and permits for the use of radio frequencies, provided that they work through Russian satellite devices of the Yamal and Express series.

Depending on the bandwidth used, certain limits on transmitter power, EIIM, and antenna diameter will have to be met. Registration of VSAT stations will be carried out on the basis of permission for the use of radio frequencies issued to the owner of the central earth station of the corresponding satellite network, which monitors all VSAT stations of the satellite network around the clock and controls their radiation parameters.

This procedure will not apply to VSAT stations located at a distance of 500 m to 3.5 km from airports (depending on the frequencies used and the value of the EIIM)^[1].

See also

• VSAT and IoT on ships (Russian market)

Notes