Radio signal broadcast system and method

Abstract

A first transmitting device is used to transmit a first signal on a first carrier frequency to a relay device. The relay device receives the signal by demodulating the first carrier frequency. Subsequently, the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a second and/or a third carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the second and/or third carrier frequencies. Further, a second transmitting device transmits a second signal on a fourth carrier frequency and the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a fifth and/or a sixth carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the fifth and/or sixth carrier frequencies. The transmitting and/or receiving devices are preferably voice terminals, such as a wireless telephones or data terminals, such as portable computers. The transmitting and/or receiving devices are optionally coupled to a communications network, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet. The relay device is preferably a multiple beam satellite and/or a ground station covering several distinct geographical regions.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . A method of broadcasting a netted radio signal, comprising: 
 transmitting a message from a receiver, the message requesting participation in a distribution of the netted radio signal;    authenticating the receiver to participate in the distribution of the netted radio signal;    transmitting the netted radio signal to a plurality of recipients on an identified frequency using the distribution of the netted radio signal;    tuning a receiver to the identified frequency; and    receiving the netted radio signal on the identified frequency.    
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the receiver is authenticated via a control channel.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the control channel is separate from a channel used to transmit the netted radio signal.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the netted radio signal is transmitted by a relay device.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the relay device comprises a geosynchronous communications satellite.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein a plurality of netted radio signals are transmitted to a plurality of recipients.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein each netted radio signal in the plurality of netted radio signals is transmitted into a unique geographical area.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein each netted radio signal in the plurality of netted radio signals is transmitted into different geographical areas based on time.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the netted radio signal is transmitted into a first geographical area at a first time and a second geographical area at a second time.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the netted radio signal comprises a digital signal.  
   
   
       38 . A method of broadcasting a radio signal, comprising: 
 receiving a message from a receiver requesting participation in a distribution of the radio signal, the radio signal being distributed to a plurality of recipients;    authenticating the receiver to participate in the distribution of the radio signal;    determining a frequency on which to transmit the radio signal; and    transmitting the radio signal on the determined frequency.    
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the receiver is authenticated via a control channel.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the control channel is separate from a channel used to transmit the netted radio signal.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the radio signal is transmitted by a relay device.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the relay device comprises a geosynchronous communications satellite.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a plurality of radio signals are transmitted to a plurality of recipients.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein each radio signal in the plurality of radio signals is transmitted into a unique geographical area.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein each radio signal in the plurality of radio signals is transmitted into different geographical areas based on time.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the radio signal is transmitted into a first geographical area at a first time and a second geographical area at a second time.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the radio signal comprises a digital signal.