Abstract: An improved BST dielectric powder is created used a sol-gel procedure. Addition of graphite to the powder, followed by a firing of the mixture results in a highly porous BST substrate, with the included graphite being burned off. By adjustment of the amount of added graphite, the porosity of the BST substrate is widely adjustable and enables achievement of a low bulk dielectric constant. A low dielectric filler is added to the fired substrate so as to provide a composite substrate with physical rigidity. Conductive layers are then adhered to the composite substrate to enable a tuning of the dielectric constant in accordance with applied DC voltage potentials. Antenna and other applications of the improved composite BST substrate are described.