Mobile video services through satellites

ESA's telecommunications department is supporting the development of technology needed for satellite systems to broadcast digital multimedia content such as video, television programs, radio and data to mobile phones.

The development of mobile video services through satellites will provide content providers and operators with alternative or complementary solutions to terrestrial-based networks and will bring the benefit of the universal coverage and broadcasting that satellites can provide.

High-power satellites in geostationary orbit have the ability to broadcast to large coverage areas and reach huge numbers of users. The proposed system will employ a mixture of satellites and earth-based repeaters. Satellites ensure global coverage and repeaters make it possible to receive the signals inside buildings.

The system will be able to be integrated into modern mobile telephone and vehicle-mounted receiver designs at very low cost, making it suitable for the mass market.

ESA is supporting European industry and satellite operators as they open up this market sector by partially funding the development and qualification of important components and subsystems. ESA Telecom's existing satellite infrastructure has also been made available for feasibility testing.