Keeping connected always to everyone and everything whether in remote areas or travelling by car, boat or plane is crucial in today’s digital world.

ESA is collaborating with telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom to help improve connectivity by using satellites to complement existing ground-based connectivity technologies to ensure that people and devices stay connected even when terrestrial systems are unavailable.

Switching between the terrestrial-based and space-based systems must be seamless, so that people and devices keep constantly connected. Ubiquitous, seamless and secure connectivity will enable vital services, for example, managing civil security in disaster areas – where earthquakes, fire or flooding can compromise land-based connectivity systems. It will also boost the safety and efficiency of vehicles on the move, particularly autonomous cars and delivery drones.

Mobile network operating companies that already provide connectivity to billions of people around the world are well placed to bring the benefits of space to the citizens on Earth. ESA and Deutsche Telekom are working together to ensure that terrestrial and space-enabled technologies are compatible and respond to people’s needs.

The partnership has been reinforced by the signing today of a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona. Some 80,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is being held between 27 February and 2 March.

Claudia Nemat, who is responsible for technology and innovation for the Deutsche Telekom Board of Management, said: “We have a clear ambition: to bring connectivity to everyone at any time and in anyplace. Connection alternatives, such as satellites, play a crucial role in complementing our terrestrial network to ensure service continuity.

“The collaboration with ESA is an important step in laying the technological foundations for a strengthened network resilience based on the combination of terrestrial and satellite communications. This will improve the accessibility of our network for anyone who needs to stay connected.”

Javier Benedicto, acting ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, said: “ESA supports the future of connectivity where satellites are integrated with terrestrial technologies to provide ubiquitous, seamless and secure connectivity for all. We are delighted to have formed a partnership with Deutsche Telekom to advance relevant technologies in this field. ESA supports European and Canadian industries to foster innovation and compete globally.”

Source: Esa