Predicting earthquakes using disturbances in DTH TV transmission
Earthquake prediction have been discussed before in this forum and is rather dispiriting. Distortion in transmitted signals could be an early indication of earthquake, but seismometers (geophones) are still a far better instrument to detect vibrations. In future satellites could be an option in remote areas. 

However, damage from an earthquake can be mitigated if warning signals can be transmitted to reach people before the actual arrival of the most devastating surface waves. It helps, in this context, that the surface waves that are  relatively slow. 

Early warning systems are used in e.g Japan to slow down trains and automatically alert people through radio and internet. Similar systems are used and developed in other earthquake affected regions. 

The challenge is that such systems are expensive and moreover, people with limited access to radio and other sources of information might not be able to receive the warnings. The problem is similar to the Tsunami warnings, that the most vulnerable people are the those receiving least help.