The GSMA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have agreed to collaborate on developing new satellite and terrestrial networks technologies, integrating non-terrestrial communications with 5G and future 6G networks. “The ambition of the partnership is to further strengthen the competitiveness of both mobile and satellite network industries, by creating an ecosystem which can fast-track the development of new, complementary technology solutions for businesses and consumers,” GSMA said.
The GSMA Foundry innovation accelerator will bring together the mobile network operator community to work with ESA’s 5G/6G Hub, based at ESA’s European Center for Space Applications and Telecommunications based in Harwell, Oxfordshire. “The ESA 5G/6GHub brings together the satellite industry to work on new collaborative and innovative programs,” GSMA said. “Benefiting from the support of the UK Space Agency, the Hub fits into the UK Government’s 5G and 6G strategy.”
The increased adoption and integration of satellite technologies by the communications industry could lead to potential revenue gains of $35 billion by 2035, a 3 percent increase, according to recent findings by GSMA.
“Collaboration is key to telecommunications innovation and, from our 5G/6G Hub, we are fostering industry partnerships to advance the 5G digital transformation of society and industry. We look forward to working with GSMA to explore and realize the huge potential of next-generation satellite-enabled connectivity,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of Space for 5G and 6G Strategic Programme, ESA.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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