ESOA members sign 5G manifesto with European Commissioner Günther Oettinger

ESOA welcomes the Commission’s support in pushing for early pilots and demonstrations, which will highlight the contribution of different component technologies, working together to achieve synergies and deliver the 5G system of systems. We encourage the Commission to boost European competitiveness through global standardisation and international spectrum allocation processes.

Rupert Pearce, ESOA Chairman commented: “The inclusion of satellite in 5G infrastructure will ensure that everyone can benefit from reliable services, whether at home, on the move or in the air. Moving from pilots to reality will require the Commission to drive a process where fixed, mobile and satellite operators work together on concrete projects that contribute to integration and interoperability”.

“The Integration of different network technologies is crucial for the successful deployment of 5G, as no single technology can cope with the tremendous growth of video and data demand. Satellite connectivity will be a cornerstone for global, profitable and inclusive 5G deployment. Therefore we are happy to endorse the 5G Manifesto as it represents a clear and ambitious roadmap of the European economy on the way to digitalisation ”, said Karim Michel Sabbagh, President and CEO of SES.

Aarti Holla, ESOA Secretary General added, “Viability of 5G services such as for Connected Cars or IoT will depend on systems that are available everywhere and that can communicate seamlessly across different platforms. Those platforms will use the different spectrum bands that have been identified for study by WRC15”.

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.