GSMA and ESA join forces to advance satellite and terrestrial networks technologies

GSMA

The GSMA and European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI)  to collaborate on developing new, innovative satellite and terrestrial networks technologies.

The aim 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 complimentary technology solutions for businesses and consumers. The two organisations will join efforts to speed-up innovation when it comes to integrating satellite communications with 5G and future 6G networks.

GSMA Foundry innovation accelerator will work closely with ESA’s 5G/6G Hub, based at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) based in Oxfordshire.

GSMA Foundry innovation accelerator brings together the mobile network operator community, and the wider technology industry, to accelerate cross-industry collaboration and advancements in mobile communication.

While the ESA Hub brings together the satellite industry to work on new collaborative and innovative programmes. Benefiting from the support of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) the Hub fits into the UK Government’s 5G and 6G strategy.

The partnership will see the two companies share knowledge, ideas, and outcomes of trials, which can help better integrate 5G and future 6G communications with non-terrestrial networks. This will be done through joint GSMA Foundry and ESA technology challenges supporting terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, as well as through joint events and promotions at conferences, such as Mobile World Congress.

Alex Sinclair, CTO at the GSMA said: “By collaborating more closely with the European Space Agency, and its satellite network operator ecosystem, we hope to accelerate the immense potential satellite and terrestrial telecommunications networks can create for consumers and businesses when they are more closely connected. By working together, we can help the communications industry bring innovative solutions to market, which in turn will create tremendous benefits to society by connecting even more people, wherever they are in the world.”

Antonio Franchi, head of space for 5G and 6G Strategic Programme, ESA, added: “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.”