Exciting times lie ahead as the GSM Association (GSMA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) unite to advance connectivity solutions for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Announced at MWC Barcelona 2024, the partnership will not only develop new services for society, but it’s estimated to provide a significant financial boost for the industry.
Setting the Scene: GSMA and ESA Unite
The joint venture, focusing on terrestrial and satellite communications, is slated to open unprecedented revenue streams. GSMA Intelligence projects that satellite innovations could deliver an additional $30–35 billion in income to the industry by 2035. Deserving of attention in a world increasingly reliant on seamless and broad-level connectivity, the partnership will work on five key areas of innovation.
Five Key Initiatives in Telecommunications
The partnership will focus on:
- Challenge and innovation – GSMA Foundry and ESA are initiating a series of challenges, backed by ESA funding of up to €15 million.
- Lab Network Access expansion – Foundry participants can now collaborate at ESA’s 5G/6G Hub in Harwell, UK and Telecom Lab in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
- New GSMA Advance training course – To help stakeholders understand the dynamics between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
- Non-Terrestrial Network (TN-NTN) Community launch – To develop new projects and set the course for future initiatives and activities.
- Ecosystem unification – The GSMA Foundry and ESA will work with the wider industry to align efforts towards seamless TN and NTN interworking.
Impact and Future Expectations
Antonio Franchi, ESA’s Head of the 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Programme Office, celebrates this partnership. Highlighting ESA’s commitment to universal connectivity, he sees the collaboration as a significant step in advancing the mobile and satellite communications industries. Moreover, ESA’s continued efforts will be showcased through interactive features at the GSMA Pavilion.
In conclusion, the GSMA and ESA partnership seeks not only to bolster the telecommunications industry economically but also to innovate in ways that ensure seamless connectivity for all. As the world becomes more interconnected, this unity between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is indeed quite necessary and groundbreaking.
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