European Commission paves the way for European mobile satellite services

Two mobile satellite operators have been selected by the Commission for the EU-wide provision of mobile satellite services. 

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/770&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

From the press release:

European consumers and businesses, particularly in rural areas, can expect to benefit from innovative wireless communication services after the European Commission selected two operators, Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited, to provide mobile satellite services across Europe. The services, such as high-speed internet access, mobile television and radio or emergency communications, will be provided over a specifically reserved spectrum. Both satellite operators demonstrated an advanced level of technical and commercial ability to provide these services.

 

"Mobile satellite services have huge potential: they can enable Europeans to access new communication services, particularly in rural and less populated regions. I therefore welcome that we have now cleared the way for the swift launch of these pan-European services," said EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding. "This was possible thanks to the first pan-European selection procedure, developed in close cooperation with the European Parliament and the Member States. A Europe-wide market for mobile satellite services is now becoming a reality. I call on the Member States to take without any delay all the required follow up steps in order to allow a timely and proper launch of mobile satellite services."