In a recent release, the 5G Infrastructure Association (5G IA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signaled their intent to work together to enable new and innovative 5G solutions and services in support of European industry and the 5G vertical markets and to further strengthen the ties between the space sector and the 5G IA, with its membership from the terrestrial and satellite industries, SMEs and Academia.
Signing a joint Letter of Intent, Colin Willcock, Chairman of the Board of the 5G IA, said: “Cross-functional expertise is essential to fulfill the potential of 5G to empower society for today’s and tomorrow’s needs. Deeper collaboration with the space sector is important and shows how we can reinforce what we have already achieved with the integration of satellite/terrestrial ecosystems in 5G IA, whilst also boosting European communications capabilities”.
Magali Vaissiere, ESA’s Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, commented that, “5G is an integral part of the digital transformation that is affecting every business sector; and space systems have a key role to play in improving the reach, robustness and economics of 5G rollout both geographically and within vertical Markets such as Transport, Energy and Media Broadcasting.”
The Letter of Intent signed by ESA and 5G IA seeks to support innovation by leveraging existing resources and facilities; planning joint activities including promotional events as well as additional trials and pilot or demonstration projects in specific markets.