Systems and methods are described that use the downlink and uplink frequency bands of the fixed satellite service (FSS) and direct broadcast service (DBS) systems to provide broadband access to aerial platforms including aircraft, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as balloons. The secondary service aerial platform transmitters are configured to avoid interference into the primary satellite service receivers. The aerial platform may be able to detect and connect to the cell site with the strongest signal. The aerial platform may be able to handoff from one cell site to another. Systems and methods are described that provide broadband access to ground terminal via aerial platforms such as drones and UAVs such as balloons.