Television Distribution by the Canadian Domestic Satellite System

In 1969, the Canadian Parliament passed an Act to establish a corporation to provide telecommunications within Canada utilizing communication satellite techniques. This corporation was named Telesat Canada and its financing was to be accomplished by issuing shares, equally divided amongst three groups representing the Canadian Government, the telecommunication common carriers and the general public. In accordance with its objectives, the Company has awarded contracts for the provision of three satellites and 35 earth stations which will constitute the initial system. Arrangements have been made with NASA for launching the first satellite in November 1972. The system will provide facilities for long-haul telephone message traffic and television and radio program distribution. The television and radio program distribution facilities have been designed to meet requirements of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. The major segments of the system are described, with special reference to the television distribution function. Television performance objectives and network operational requirements are related to the system design. New design features which contribute to the effectiveness of the system as a television distribution facility are reviewed.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1972-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J05650