Pioneering SkyPlexNet now operational

Building on the success of last years workshop, ESA Telecom is holding another workshop on IP Networking. The purpose of these workshops is to present and discuss recent results, offering the opportunity for specialists to exchange ideas in the rapidly evolving field of satellite networking.

REMSAT (Real-time Emergency Management via Satellites)

ESA awarded a contract to VeriSat in December 2003 which requires VeriSat to deliver a Common Test Bed for DVB-RCS terminals (operational in late 2004). The test bed will be used in the DVB-RCS terminal certification programme which is currently under development by the SatLabs Group.

The South West Regional Authority, in association with the EU Committee of the Regions, has hosted a major international conference on "Knowledge Based Regions in the Information Society - the Role of Broadband Technology in Securing a Vibrant eSociety" in Killarney/Ireland on April 5th and 6th.

132 proposals for an ESA Telecom contract have been received in the most recent Start-up Initiative. Companies which have submitted a proposal can expect a reply by June 13, 2003.

To date, ESA Telecom has launched three rounds of the Start-up Projects Initiative to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) enter the satcom sector. Previous results have encouraged ESA Telecom to expand and refine the scheme to build on the initial successes.

The Irish Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources together with the Telecommunications Industry Federation in Ireland have announced plans to fund Irish schools' access to broadband with 18 Million Euro.

Representing a technological and commercial breakthrough in flexible digital satellite telecommunications, SkyPlex is ready for launch on 16 March aboard Eutelsat's W3A satellite. This satellite platform will deliver Internet and TV services.