Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite networks have so far been successful in the provision of specific communication services to geographically dispersed users. However, user demands are becoming more complex, and VSAT networks are expected to provide a much wider range of services (voice, data and multimedia). We investigate how this service integration could be achieved and show that performance improvements are possible if efficient multi-access protocols and speech compression with voice activity detection techniques are used. We also discuss the future role VSATs could play in the provision of access to the Integrated Broadband Communications Network to remote users. We discuss the possibility of using VSATs for ATM service provision. The need for careful consideration of the advantages and limitations of using VSAT networks for this type of service is discussed. Finally, we highlight a method for dynamic bandwidth allocation in a broadband satellite network.
