MUMBAI: The Dublin-based Solaris Mobile Ltd has tied up with leading Italian media publishing group Class Editori, to launch digital radio services for listeners across Italy.
The initial phase of the radio services will commence in October 2011 with deployment of hybrid satellite and terrestrial network in Milan. Solaris Mobile is partnering major Italian network operators for provision of the terrestrial transmission network.
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After the initial phase, Solaris Mobile plans to extend hybrid network across Italy with commercial launch by 2012. The new digital radio channels will broadcast music, news, entertainment, sports and traffic updates, in their original format with visual elements.
Solaris Mobile Ltd CEO Steve Main said, “The agreement with Class Editori is a historic occasion not just for Italian radio audiences but for radio listeners throughout Europe as it signals an innovative step forward in the migration from analogue to digital radio. This contract is our first and marks the debut of the delivery of services using our network infrastructure within the EU.”
Class Editori vice chairman Luca Panerai said, Partnering with Solaris Mobile fot the initial phase, commencing in October is the first step in realising our vision of delivering the most advanced rich media infotainment and radio services to Italian listeners.”
Solaris Mobile recently acquired an 18 year license to operate Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in Italy. The company has eleven national licenses across Europe including France, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Denmark, The Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.
Solaris Mobile, a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES-Astra was set up in 2008 to develop next generation mobile communication services. In May 2009, the European Commission awarded Solaris Mobile the right to operate satellite and terrestrial services in S-Band in all 27 EU member states. S-Band is spectrum residing in the 2GHz band and is adjacent to UMTS used by mobile 3G operators.
