Abstract: A system (200) and method (300) provide an efficient communication system for distributing digital multimedia/HDTV signals to multimedia units in a cellular pattern. The method includes: 1) using at least a first primary wide area-antenna for, where selected, transmitting a digital multimedia/HDTV signal per frequency allocation over at least a portion of a predetermined reception area, wherein a plurality of patterns of cells tesselates the predetermined reception area; and 2) using cell-site antennas having transmitters, each located in a cell, for, where selected, transmitting, when the primary wide area-antenna is deselected, at least a first preselected digital multimedia/HDTV signal over an area of the cell, for providing the HDTV signal to a plurality of digital receivers in accordance with a predetermined scheme, wherein the digital multimedia/HDTV signal is associated with a predetermined frequency allocation.

Abstract: A communication system of the type wherein a central station assigns a limited number of information channels to a requesting one of a plurality of remote stations is disclosed. The requesting station sends its identification signal along with the request signal to the central station on a signal channel. The central station classifies the requesting station in either a priority or a nonpriority queue. The priority queue corresponds to those stations which are continuing an on-going interchange, whereas the nonpriority queue contains those stations which wish to initiate an interchange. Stations are prioritized in the queues on a first-in/first-out basis.The central station constantly monitors the information channels and, as channels become available, assigns the channels first to stations in the prioirty queue, then to nonpriority queue stations.