Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing bi-directional communication in systems broadcasting multi-carrier signals removes at least one sub-carrier to form an intra-spectral gap within a multi-carrier broadcast signal. The intra-spectral gap is used to provide a bi-directional channel for propagating ancillary data signals between network elements in a broadcast communication system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved communications comprising the step of providing an infrastructure-based communication network, connecting said infrastructure-based communications network to a primary communications system and introducing users of personal communication devices to said infrastructure-based communications network. The step of providing an infrastructure-based communications network includes the steps of adapting existing infrastructure devices to relay electromagnetic radiation that is propagated by the primary communications system. The adapted infrastructure devices are selected from the group consisting of manhole covers, sewer gratings, ventilation gratings, storm drain gratings, utility poles, lighting poles, telephone junction boxes and traffic signal junction boxes. An apparatus for providing improved communications within an urban environment comprises a plurality of urban infrastructure-based devices adapted to interact with a primary communications system.