SES supports 5G deployment in Europe
February 23, 2016
SES announced during the GSMA Mobile World Congress that it is fully committed to the swift deployment of the 5th generation mobile networks called “5G”. As a founding member of the 5G-PPP (Public Private Partnership), SES actively took part in the 5G PPP whitepaper entitled “5G Empowering Vertical Industries”. The whitepaper presents 5G networks as a key enabler for a broad range of industries, especially the automotive, transportation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and media and entertainment sectors.
SES actively promotes satellite as an essential building block for a global, profitable and inclusive 5G deployment. In order to cope with the tremendous growth of data demand, including 5G requirements, a combination of terrestrial and satellite wireless technologies is needed. Satellites play a key role in allowing the seamless extension of 5G services, by providing connectivity on the sea, in the air and to remote land areas.
“5G must be a seamless integration of different network technologies,” said Karim Michel Sabbagh, President and CEO of SES. “No single technology will be able to cope with the data challenges that networks are facing. Only a smart combination of infrastructure will be able to meet the constantly growing demand. Satellite plays a significant role in video broadcasting, trunking, backhauling and communications on the move, and also in complementing terrestrial broadband. Thanks to the combination of our GEO satellites and O3b’s MEO satellites, which provides wide coverage and low latency, SES is able to deliver high bandwidth to users. This will be an essential advantage for the 5G networks.”