Method and system for providing geographic specific services in a satellite communications network

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving geographic specific services in a satellite communications network by utilizing location identification information included in a composite signal transmitted by a terrestrial repeater.
In particular, the terrestrial repeater receives from a satellite a composite signal comprising a plurality of time-division-multiplexed (TDM) data channels and retransmits the composite signal along with a unique transmitter identification number which indicates the identity of an individual repeater.
Upon reception of the composite signal from the terrestrial repeater, a receiver determines the current geographical location of the receiver based on the transmitter identification number.
The receiver then compares the current location of the receiver to header information of packets or frames carried within the data channels to select geographically targeted information in the data channels.
The receiver then provides the selected information to a user of the receiver so that the user may receive services directed to audiences in the geographic location of the receiver.