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October 11th, 2018

ESA and 5G Infrastructure Association Sign a Letter of Intent to Strengthen Space Sector Ties


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 broad 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, noted that 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 the organization can reinforce what has already been achieved, with the integration of satellite/terrestrial ecosystems in 5G IA, all the while also boosting European communications capabilities.

Magali Vaissiere, ESA’s Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, reported 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.