Hybrid satellite system for providing one-way and two-way communication services

An approach for providing communication services over a satellite is disclosed. The interruption of service is detected. The service interruption period is compared with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the threshold is exceeded. The mode of operation of the user terminal is switched from a two-way transmission over the satellite to a one-way transmission based upon the determination. The one-way transmission is used in conjunction with an alternate return channel, such as a terrestrial connection (e.g., dial-up connection). Another aspect of the present invention provides the capability to accurately point to a satellite among a plurality of satellites by using a carrier identifier to uniquely identify the satellite that is assigned to the user terminal.