MSSA, ESA Serve Satcom for Growing 5G/6G Networks

Joining forces for ongoing expansion of 5G nd 6G wireless communications networks, the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) and European Space Agency (ESA) have allied in support of satellite communications (satcom) and standards-based, open-architecture, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Their collaboration (see image above) seeks ways to integrate satellite and terrestrial communications systems for reliable, high-performance telecommunications around the world. 

At the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, MSSA's Girish Chandran of Viasat (see image, left) and ESA’s Laurent Jaffart (see image, right) held a signing ceremony to formalize the strategic alliance between MSSA and ESA.

Mark Dankberg, chairman of MSSA, announced, “MSSA and ESA are joining forces to safely and securely integrate satellite and terrestrial communication networks for the benefit of consumers. Our combined efforts will further benefit the development and deployment of standards-based D2D services to support Europe. Furthermore, ESA’s participation underscores the significant momentum for supporting business models leveraging licensed MSS satellite spectrum and open interoperable architectures based on 3GPP standards.”

The alliance is pursuing interoperability of wireless devices across Europe while maintaining safe and secure communications complying with each nation’s telecommunications and cloud communications requirements. 

Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, added, “This strategic alliance with MSSA represents a crucial step in realizing ESA’s vision of seamless global connectivity. By combining our expertise in space technologies with MSSA’s open architecture, standards-based initiative for mobile satellite services, we are laying the groundwork for trusted non-terrestrial networks that can truly be integrated with terrestrial 5G and 6G networks of all types.”

MSSA and ESA share numerous objectives for the expansion of 5G and 6G networks, including open, interoperable communications architectures that fit within national regulatory frameworks.