Abstract: Compensation for rain fades in a VSAT communications network is obtained by a uplink power control mechanism incorporated in a master station, which maintains the power output level of the satellite transponder constant without incorporating excessive static margins into the link power budget. A variable attenuator, which controls the output power of the master station's high power amplifier is initially set at a prescribed level which will produce the intended satellite amplifier EIRP for a `clear sky` condition. The master station monitors the output of the satellite amplifier and derives a measure of the signal-to-noise ratio of downlinked signals. Knowing the variable attenuator setting and the signal-to-noise ratio of the downlinked signals, the magnitude of attenuation of outlink carrier frequency signals transmitted from the master station to the satellite is determined.