The satellite will enable the 5G ecosystem to be completed with universal coverage technology that extends connectivity even to remote areas

• 5G Barcelona, which seeks to turn Barcelona into a testbed for validating and adopting 5G technology, is incorporating two key agents in the satellite sector that will bring all their know-how to the project
• 5G Barcelona is an initiative promoted by the Regional Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Hall, Mobile World Capital Barcelona, the i2CAT Foundation, the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), Atos and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)

19 February, 2019

Barcelona, 19 February 2019.- In recent months HISPASAT and the European Space Agency (ESA) have joined the 5G Barcelona initiative that aspires to turn the world mobile capital into a test laboratory for 5G technology. The 5G Barcelona consortium is thus incorporating two new partners with an outstanding presence in the satellite sector, both in Spain and worldwide, that will bring all their know-how to the deployment and adoption of this technology and the testing of associated pilot projects, completing the 5G ecosystem with the satellite network that will enable connectivity to be extended to any part of the world, no matter how remote.

Since it began operating, the public-private initiative has exhibited a global and neutral spirit and an openness to new agents that wish to contribute knowledge or added value assets with a view to consolidating Barcelona as Europe’s leading 5G hub. HISPASAT, a key driving force in the Spanish aerospace industry with a track record of 30 years will therefore provide all its experience as a Spanish operator of communication satellites and leader in the distribution of contents in Spanish and Portuguese.

The European Space Agency, which is formed by 22 member states, will likewise transfer all its know-how as part of its efforts to showcase the value of satellites in the future 5G environment, under its Satellite for 5G Initiative. The participation of both entities in the consortium makes it possible to form a hybrid network that will provide communication services in the 5G ecosystem by combining different spatial and terrestrial technologies more efficiently.