Russian Synagogues Set to Use Satellites

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) -- The Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FJCR) and a communications network operator, Stec.com, have decided to set up a network of satellite communications that should cover all Russia's synagogues in the future, writes Kommersant.

The move seeks to address the problem of religious education and access to religious information for members of Jewish communities, FJCR officials have announced.

The satellite network will use Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) technology. This technology includes telephone use, high-speed Internet access (up to 2 Mbit/sec) and multi-channel digital television. Initially, a European Eutelsat W4 satellite will be used, but an Express satellite operated by Russian state-owned Kosmicheskaya Svyaz will come into play later.

A pilot project will see 50 synagogues equipped with the systems this year. The project will start in big cities with large Jewish communities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Birobijan, Yekaterinburg and Khabarovsk. The financial details have not been revealed, but market analysts say it might exceed $1 million.

The content of satellite broadcasts, which will primarily be beamed from Moscow to more remote regions, is currently being decided. The content will include lectures on religious subjects, coverage of religious services during major religious holidays and instructions on how to conduct a certain religious ceremony or event, FJCR sources report. In the future, the FJCR plans to establish its own TV channel.

Market experts note that the joint project reflects global trends. Today, virtually all denominations are using the Internet and mobile communications networks to communicate with their brethren and attract new members.