what is the cost of some satelite transponder space to run a channel?

Answer 1

If you're talking about relatively low data rates, then there is no fixed price. Lots of variables. How much data rate do you need in the channel? Which satellite? What time of day? Is this on-demand or continuous? C band or Ku band? Etc.

Satellite operators often sell blocks of channels (bandwidth) to resellers who then haggle to get the best deal from individual buyers who only need a small part of the satellite capacity. So the price can vary greatly.

Answer 2

Initially you should be able to put one up for about 100 million dollars.