Method and apparatus for using satellites for reverse path communication in direct-to-home subscription information systems

A method for polling a receiver of a subscription information service signal, the method comprising the steps of:

• polling a receiver of a subscription information service;
• forwarding a subscription information service signal at frequencies exceeding 1 Ghz via a first path;
• storing data entered by a subscriber, related to the subscription information service acceptance by said subscriber;
• and
• transmitting, responsive to the polling step, the stored data entered by the subscriber and subscriber identification data modulated onto a signal at frequencies under 1 Ghz via a second path directly to a low earth orbit satellite.

The method of offering information services to a subscriber and delivering or refusing services to the subscriber or to a service pirate of a subscription information service delivery system comprising the steps of:

• offering information services to a subscriber;
• initiating a poll request signal;
• generating data related to the information services at a terminal;
• storing said data at the terminal;
• directly transmitting to a low earth orbit satellite, a poll response signal at frequencies under 1 Ghz via a first path wherein the poll response signal comprises the stored data and a subscriber identifier;
• receiving the poll response signal;
• processing the data at a control center;
• and
• delivering services or refusing services over a second path at frequencies exceeding 1 Ghz to the subscriber responsive to the data processing.

A method for receiving and responding to a polling request, wherein said polling request is integrated with a subscription information signal, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a subscription information service signal and a polling request from a geostationary satellite at frequencies exceeding 1 Ghz via a first path;
• storing data related to the subscription information service acceptance by a subscriber;
• and
• transmitting, responsive to the polling request, the stored data and subscriber identification data modulated onto a signal at frequencies under 1 Ghz via a second path to a low earth orbit satellite.

A method for receiving a polling request and a subscription information signal, and responding to said polling request, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a polling request from a first satellite;
• receiving a subscription information service signal at frequencies exceeding 1 Ghz via a second satellite;
• storing data related to the subscription information service acceptance by a subscriber;
• and
• transmitting, responsive to the polling request, the stored data and subscriber identification data modulated onto a signal at frequencies under 1 Ghz via first satellite.