Is there a technology lesson for amateur radio in DStv Mobile?

Multichoice has done a great job in picking the right technology to deliver a good signal over a wide geographical area for its mobile service. Is there a lesson in it for Amateur Radio?

DStv Mobile deployed a network of synchronized transmitter stations all radiating identical signals on the same frequency. In a single frequency network (SFN) the receiver receives signals from the various transmitters located at high sites in the coverage area. Under normal circumstances these signals would interfere with each other as they arrive at different times at the receiver because of propagation path delays.

By utilising clocked transmissions and Time and Frequency Synchronization as well as the provision of a Guard Interval, signals that arrive within the guard interval are considered as constructive and add to the received signal strength. Signals outside the guard interval are discarded.

It can be likened to diversity reception used with shortwave services. Receive antennas were spaced a short distance apart to reduce fading and to ensure a better reception.
The diversity principal was used at the Olifantsfontein radio station that in the early days provided telephony with overseas long before satellites and submarine cables were reality.

How about looking at it as an Innovation project?
See www.amateurradio.org.za for competition details.

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Source: The South African Radio League