In this case it is a communications payload. In that payload there are a series of receivers and transmitters. The combination of a receiver and transmitter is known as a transponder. A transponder receives the signal transmitted by the uplink, re-amplifies it through a transmitter and sends it to another dish mounted to the satellite. From there the signal is aimed back to earth where it is available to any satellite receiver located in the coverage area.
Satellites have diverse communication payloads.
Some use low power transponders, others use high power transponders. The InfomericaTV Package offers a high power C-band transponder. In addition to the high power, the InfomericaTV Satellite Broadcasting package uses the newest generation of satellite built by Hughes. This new technology provides frequency stability, signal strength, and dependability. They include all 50 of the united states, the Caribbean, Northern Mexico and Southern Canada.