Abstract: The present invention integrates a direct-to-home satellite Internet service with a mobile broadcast service via a hand-held caching terminal that accesses multiple return-link paths through the available cellular infrastructure or through the satellite to the Internet and to a home-PC-based server.

Abstract: A broadband communication system having a first broadband communication ground station, a second broadband communication ground station, and a satellite constellation. The satellite constellation is used for conducting bi-direction broadband communication between the first broadband communication ground station and the second broadband communication ground station. At least one satellite of the satellite constellation has an inclined eccentric orbit in a first orbit plane. The satellite constellation is disposed in orbit so that when observed from a predetermined ground observation point a number of satellites, including the at least one satellite, in the constellation appear to follow a substantially common path which extends through a predetermined active zone. The number of satellites moving along the common path is such that the predetermined active zone has one satellite from the number of satellites continuously located therein.

Abstract: A broad-band digital satellite communications system for providing broad-band data services. The system comprises a first spacecraft, generally a geo-stationary earth orbit communications device, and at least one controller having broadband communications capability with the first spacecraft. The system also includes at least one second spacecraft, generally a low earth orbit (LEO) communications device. The second spacecraft comprises ; communications capability with the at least one first spacecraft; low data rate communications capability with a land based system, generally a mobile communications service provider; and broadband communications capability with a mobile user subscriber to the mobile communications service provider.