ITSE Operates UENSS - by Jim Wellings

ITSE's day to day responsibilities include the operations of the Utah Education Network's Digital Satellite System. UENSS is a multi-channel compressed digital system providing 10 simultaneous channels of compressed MPEG-2 video at data rates between one and three megabits per second.

The 10 UENSS video channels carry USU distance learning classes, USU Extension programmimng, Utah Education Network events, and high school classes. KUED and KULC broadcast programming is also carried to cable systems around the state.

UENSS also recently began carrying the broadcast stereo signal from KUSU-FM, Utah Public Radio, to provide signals to several of their translators around Utah.

Utah State University distance education is the primary user of the satellite system, with many degree programs and more than 100 classes carried to thousands of students in hundreds of satellite classrooms and branch campuses around Utah and in surrounding states.
The system is in use 6 days per week, typically from 7:30 am until 11:00 pm.

The Technical Operations Center (TOC) is the master control center for the satellite classes. Operations staff monitor the satellite signals, start and end events, and provide telephone support for system users.