Satellites – Enabling an inclusive and resilient Gigabit society

Eurospace, ESOA and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association – ACEA were all invited to discuss the role of satellite technology and services in enabling seamless digital connectivity and 5G services across Europe. The event comes in the year when the Commission is publishing its Communications on A Space Strategy for Europe and Connectivity for a Competitive Digital Single Market – towards a European Gigabit Society.

In describing the satellite role in today’s digital eco-system Rupert Pearce noted: “As well as extending their reach, satellites provide an invisible and resilient overlay for terrestrial networks. The ‘Gigabit Society’ implies millions of connections between people, devices, and things. This system of systems will require inter-connectivity and stability at unprecedented levels that terrestrial networks alone cannot deliver.”

Aarti Holla, ESOA Secretary General added “We look forward to working with DG CONNECT and DG GROW on implementation of both the 5G Action Plan and the Space Strategy to ensure that a maximum of citizens and business sectors can benefit from the unique reach and multicasting abilities of satellite networks”.

Giuseppe Morsillo, Secretary General of ASD-Eurospace said: “having a necessary complementarity between terrestrial and space-based infrastructures is essential to provide optimal connectivity in support of the EU action against the digital divide, to promote the development of the Internet of Things and to complete the transition towards a data-driven economy”.  Mr Morsillo insisted that this could only be achieved through “fair implementation of the principle of technology neutrality, with regulatory measures ensuring that technology neutrality does not wrongly turn into technology marginalisation or even technology avoidance.”

In reference to the Connected Car, presently a focus of DG CONNECT and Commissioner Oettinger, Roberto Viola, Director General of DG Connect said: “Satellite communications will play an important role in ensuring ubiquitous availability of infotainment and safety services as well as over-the-air software updates for cars and are therefore vital in making the Connected Car a reality in Europe”.

Identified as a sector that already relies on satellite navigation systems, ACEA was also invited, with Joost Vantomme, Smart Mobility Director noting: “Connectivity and automation are key for ACEA members to unlock cleaner, safer and secure mobility. Smart vehicles require seamless communications networks and services and satellite communications can make an important contribution to coverage needs.”

About ESOA

ESOA is a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS. The Association today represents the interests of satellite operators who deliver information communication services across the globe. Together ESOA Members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world, including live broadcasting, emergency communications, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24/7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants, weather forecasting and a whole range of other communications services.