A Memorandum of Intent (MoI) between the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) has been agreed to deepen the collaboration on the future of communication technology between the two organisations.
This collaboration between the two organisations promises to support research and development and boost innovation in integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks as work on next generation 6G connectivity advances.
Signed between SNS JU and the ESA on 15 October in Brussels, core to the agreement is the bringing together of the European mobile and satellite network communities to support European technological resilience and competitiveness.
The MoI will support knowledge exchange, resource pooling, and the development of open industry standards and focuses on key actions:
- Large-Scale trials of 6G Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Network connectivity for industries and sectors such as mobility, utilities, agriculture, media, as well as mobile broadband services for citizens throughout Europe. These trials will generate valuable data, performance benchmarks, and insights to improve interoperability of TN/NTN solutions. It will ensure collaborations with industry and standardisation bodies to ensure the outcomes of these trials inform global standards for integrated connectivity.
- Access to Advanced Testing Facilities. SNS JU 6G projects will gain access to ESA’s state-of-the-art ground and in orbit laboratories, including the ESA 5G/6G Hub and Telecom Lab, as well as future in-orbit demonstration satellites. These facilities will enable interoperability testing, 5G/6G use cases development and real-world validation of innovative TN/NTN solutions.
- Seamless flow of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices, as well as Joint Innovation in Next-Generation Applications. The collaboration will explore groundbreaking 6G use cases in connected mobility, edge computing, and enhanced network resilience, maximising the potential of integrated terrestrial and satellite networks for industry and citizens.
The Commission is working to support the development of 6G technologies and prepare Europe for the eventual roll out of future technologies. Robust, secure and resilient 6G will be critical in the future as industries and citizens generate more and more data, increasing the demand for fast and secure connectivity.
The SNS JU is a European public-private partnership driving research and innovation in advanced network technologies, including 6G. SNS JU supports Europe’s leadership in developing secure, sustainable, and competitive connectivity solutions.
The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space. ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Read more information in SNS JU’s press release.
Source: European Commission | Shaping Europe’s digital future | News & Views (https://tinyurl.com/an6py5uw)