Dublin-based Solaris Mobile has submitted an application to the European Commission (EC) in response to the Commissions call for applications for pan-European systems providing mobile satellite services.
Solaris Mobiles application was submitted as part of a tender process that was initiated and co-ordinated by the EC. The successful applicant(s) will be able to provide innovative 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. In addition, operators may deploy complementary terrestrial networks where necessary.
This timing complements our investments, with our commitment in 2006 to procure a satellite payload from Thales Alenia Space in France, says Solaris Mobile CEO, Steve Maine. 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 Commissions deadline of 2011.
Solaris Mobile is a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES Astra joint venture. It was established earlier this year to develop next generation Mobile TV services via satellite.  The company plans to provide TV, video and radio plus two-way communication to a variety of handheld and vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Solaris Mobiles range of services, scheduled for launch in early 2009, is aimed primarily at broadcasters, telco operators, the automotive industry, and data and communication providers.
The company intends to operate in a 2.00 GHz frequency band, the S-band, reserved for the exclusive use of satellite and terrestrial mobile services. The S-band sits alongside UMTS frequencies that are already used across Europe for 3G terrestrial services.