- The deployment of satellite connectivity will provide quality coverage to remote areas of the Val d’Aran.
- The agreement also establishes the promotion of solutions focused on areas such as emergency and natural risk management, tourism and wildlife control.
2 March, 2023
Barcelona, March 2, 2022 -. This morning, Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), Hispasat, Conselh Generau d’Aran and Arantec in collaboration with the Departament de la Vicepresidència i de Polítiques Digitals i Territori, presented at MWC Barcelona 2022 an agreement for the deployment of satellite coverage in remote high mountain areas. The agreement also foresees the development of intelligent connectivity pilots suited to the characteristics of this territory.
The presentation was attended by Carlos Grau, CEO of MWCapital, Jordi Hereu, president of Hispasat, Maria Vergés, trustee of Aran, Esiharc Jaquet, CEO of Arantec and the Secretary of Digital Policies of the Generalitat de Catalunya, David Ferrer. The latter stressed that “this collaboration is fully aligned with the digital strategy of the Government of Catalonia for a connected and structured territory, with equal opportunities for all citizens, no matter where they live. Digital infrastructures must allow for the transformation of Catalonia into a country of progress and opportunities, with digital innovation as the motor of our economy.”
The agreement establishes the deployment of a comprehensive solution for broadband satellite connectivity and Internet of Things in high mountain environments, specifically in the Artiga de Lin refuge which currently has no connectivity. Jordi Hereu, President of Hispasat, explained that “this pilot is a great opportunity to show how universal satellite connectivity can accelerate the digital development of remote areas such as the Val d’Aran, boosting its main productive activities and improving the efficiency and accuracy of its emergency services”.
The agreement is focused, among others, on health, emergency and security, natural risk management and tourism activities, basic services that are affected by poor coverage in remote areas of the Val d’Aran. Having a satellite communication network will ensure quality coverage in all these areas.
Carlos Grau, CEO of MWCapital, said “this agreement is of great value for MWCapital. We have been working to improve people’s lives through technology for the last ten years and this agreement is a great example of that. Satellite technology will contribute to ensure basic services, boost the economic ecosystem and reduce the digital divide in rural and remote areas, providing solutions that will improve opportunities in those areas of great value in the Val d’Aran”.
“The Conselh Generau d’Aran is committed to innovation and providing opportunities to young talent, which we also promote through our rural innovation HUB HèPic. We see this as a great opportunity for our territory with applications in key sectors such as livestock, emergency management or care for people, among others”, said the trustee of Aran, Maria Vergés.
This pilot will focus on emergency management in the mountains thanks to the deployment of connectivity bubbles in alpine huts, the use of sensors for fall prevention and emergency vehicles with satellite connectivity for accident monitoring-. In addition, it will work on improving tourism activities through IoT sensorization of cyclists and hikers, capacity and access control to parking lots and the deployment of satellite WiFi points. Livestock, wildlife and natural environment monitoring through sensorization as well as monitoring of avalanches and other natural phenomena will also be objects of study.
Arantec will provide know-how on the design, deployment and implementation of wireless sensor networks in remote locations with adverse weather conditions, low data coverage and insufficient or low power. Arantec’s IoT Smarty Planet platform will be used for data management and Early Warning System against meteorological hazards.
About Mobile World Capital Barcelona
Mobile World Capital Barcelona is an initiative that drives the digital development of society and helps improve people’s lives on a global scale.
With public and private support, MWCapital focuses its activity in four areas: accelerating innovation through digital entrepreneurship; transforming industry through digital technology; growing digital talent among new generations and professionals; and reflecting on the impact of technology on our society. Together, our programs are positively transforming the economy, education and society.MWCapital hosts MWC in Barcelona and is the founder of 4 Years From Now (4YFN), the business platform for the startup community present at all MWC events worldwide.
About Hispasat
Red Eléctrica Group’s satellite operator and service provider, HISPASAT, offers broadband and satellite connectivity solutions including Internet access, mobility and cellular network extension, as well as other value-added propositions to governments, corporations and telecommunications operators in the Americas, Europe and North Africa. It is also a leader in the broadcasting and distribution of audiovisual content in Spanish and Portuguese, including the transmission of important Direct-to-Home (DTH) and High Definition Television (HDTV) digital platforms, as well as transport and audiovisual signal management from HISPASAT Peru’s teleport in Lurin. HISPASAT, made up of companies with presence both in Spain and Latin America, where its Brazilian subsidiary HISPAMAR is located, is one of the main companies in the world in terms of revenues in its sector and the main communications bridge between Europe and America.
About Consell Generau d’Aran
The Conselh Generau d’Aran governs Val d’Aran. In recent years the Conselh has been working on promoting the economic diversification of the territory through technological innovation, economic diversification and the retention and attraction of young talent. Through Hèpic, its hub for rural innovation in mountain areas, the Conselh implements innovative and sustainable projects with a positive impact on mountain areas such as the Val d’Aran, generating a sustainable and diversified socioeconomic activity.
About Arantec
Arantec is a technology-based company whose main mission is the use of new IoT, BD and ML technologies to improve the safety of people and property against extreme weather events, thus contributing to improving the resilience of our society. Arantec develops “Mission Critical” solutions based on proprietary Cloud algorithms, as well as IoT hardware equipment for real-time data collection from pole to pole.
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