Solaris Submits S-Band Application

[Satellite Today 10-07-08] Solaris Mobile submitted its S-Band spectrum application for harmonized European Union mobile services to the European Commission, the company said Oct. 7.
The European Commission launched a competition in August seeking satellite operators to provide mobile services across Europe. New regulations will allow the selected operators to provide their services over a specifically reserved spectrum without having to secure permission from individual countries.
    If the application is successful Solaris Mobile, a joint venture between SES Astra and Eutelsat, plans to provide mobile services such as mobile TV reception, high-speed data transfers, public safety, disaster recovery and remote medical communications via satellite anywhere within the 27 member states of the European Union.
    “We are excited to be submitting our application today in what promises to be a landmark development for European mobile communications,” Steve Maine, Solaris Mobile CEO, said in a statement. “This timing complements our investments, with our commitment in 2006 to procure a satellite payload from Thales Alenia Space in France. Solaris Mobile will be in the unique position of being able to offer mobile satellite services as early as 2009, empowering state-of-the-art mobile networks and enabling innovative services to consumers across Europe, well ahead of the Commission’s deadline of 2011.”