Solaris Mobile extends mobile broadcast network in France

Solaris Mobile, the Dublin based pioneer of next generation mobile communication networks, is expanding its Paris-based network to cover Rennes and Nancy and the surrounding areas. The network was launched in November 2009 to demonstrate the broadcast of TV and radio services to mobile phones, other handheld devices and cars within Paris.

Solaris Mobile and its partners in this collaboration, Alcatel-Lucent and towerCast, have built a hybrid network based on satellite and terrestrial mobile technology. Based on its success within France, Solaris Mobile is looking towards a pan-European roll out programme in the near future.

The collaboration sees Solaris Mobile providing satellite capacity and spectrum rights; Alcatel-Lucent manages the system integration and is providing transmission equipment, and towerCast is providing its antenna sites in, and around, Paris. The resulting ‘hybrid network’, under the overall management of Solaris Mobile, combines the instant coverage of satellite with the deep network capabilities of cellular mobile systems, making it the first such network to be deployed within Europe.

Such networks, operating across the whole of the EU, in frequency bands adjacent to the existing 3G mobile bands around 2GHz, will open up new opportunities to deliver next generation broadband and broadcast services to people on the move. Video, data downloads and ubiquitous voice services delivered to people’s phones, or cars, will soon match the range currently available only with fixed line services in their offices or homes.

"Due to the success of the hybrid network in Paris, we are delighted to be able to utilise our technology and expand the service out to two other regions in France. The roll-out of the network in Nancy and Rennes will enable the delivery of mobile broadcast services to people on the move," said Steve Maine, Chief Executive Officer at Solaris Mobile.

This hybrid network was enabled after the European Commission and the 27 EC member States authorised Solaris Mobile to operate services in 2 x 15 MHz blocks of S-Band spectrum across Europe in May 2009.