🚀 go-pugleaf

First of all, let me apologize for posting this message to so many
different newsgroups ... it encompasses several issues and I don't know
of any single newsgroup to get the information that I need.

THE PROBLEM:  I have been assigned by the company that I work for to
prepare a feasability study to determine (a) a cost effective means for
data communications and (b) the possibility of rebroadcasting satellite
signals.  Unfortunately, I am an accountant and really don't even know
the various options that are available.

DATA COMMUNICATIONS:  At this time, we operate "out-stations" of our
main business in 40 locations throughout the state by means of
dedicated telephone lines.  In addition, we know of four other
companies that operate similar activities.  As such, any give location
may have up to 5 lease lines coming in ... and none of the lines are
anywhere near capacity.

REBROADCASTING:  Many of the businesses where we operate have large
satellite farms in order to obtain approx. 40 channels of programming. 
They do not like this system because because the farms take up a great
deal of space and they are quite expensive whenever they open a new
property.  We would like to operate a single satellite farm to bring in
the signals and then rebroadcast them to the various locations (and
possibly to the home viewer market).

MY TASK:  Find a system to meet the needs of data communications and
rebroadcasting.  So far, I have found the following methods:

(1)  Microwave
(2)  Satellite
(3)  Wireless Cable ... can the data be sent back and forth?
(4)  Fiber Optic Cable ... again, is the data a problem?

Are there any other options that are available?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?  I really
don't like the microwave system because it is line of sight and would
make adding locations a problem.

What are the FCC requirements?  What kind of licenses would be required
and how long does it take to obtain these licenses?

I have the costs of the transmit/receive stations for the microwave
system, but what the costs for the others?

If the satellite system is used, how many TV channels can be broadcast
over a single transponder?  If all of the channels were on a single
satellite, would it reduce the number of dishes and receivers required
at each site?

What about the RCA/DTV system currently being sold?  Could something
like that be used for this application?

Well, I hope that I haven't forgotten to ask any important questions
.. but as you can see, I really don't know a whole lot about the
subject that I am trying to research.  Any help that you can give me,
or if you can direct me where to find the info that I need, would be
greatly appreciated.

Thank you.  Please respond to:

            casper88@ix.netcom.com