Abstract: Switching means of a satellite has a first set of switches for receiving respective channel slots of de-multiplexed narrow band channels. The set of switches may be made up of four position switches 5.sup.1, 5.sup.2 etc. Switch 5.sup.2 may be connected straight through, or to the straight through positions of switches 5.sup.1 and or 5.sup.3 via interswitch connections. The same is possible with the second set of switches 6. A wide selection of the possible frequency slots is possible (for example eight out of sixteen) to allow routing among the amplifiers 9, 10, some of which are designated as redundant.