1977 The World Administrative Radio Conference assigned the UK 5 high powered channels for direct broadcasting via satellite.
1979 "Unisat" a conglomerate of the BBC, ITV, BAE, Ferguson and Reuters wins the contract to provide the service and equipment to launch in 1985.
1980 Unisat changes its name to British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB). Channel names and types:
Prime: General Entertainment with 4 hours of dedicated kids programmes per day
Now: Mixture of News, current affairs, documentaries, lifestyle and arts
Screen: Movies
Stadium: Movies
Gold: Mixture of old BBC and ITV programmes.
UK Govt promises that subscribers will receive £25 discount on tv licence
1980-2 Ferguson build 1.5 million receiver kits
1983 BAE and European Space Agency launch "Marcopolo" satellite
1983-1985 BSB embark on £3 million promotion. Tomorrow's World and Blue Peter run items every six months. Promo shows 5th Dr Who trying (and failing) to attach a squarial to the TARDIS.
1984 800,000 subscribers for BSB...kits cost £100.
1985 BSB launches