[SatNews] This demo platform could well become a commercial enterprise...

Solaris Mobile Ltd., the Dublin based operator of hybrid satellite and terrestrial wireless networks, has launched EUR RADIO, a new, free, pan-European digital satellite radio demonstration platform which will serve the European Union region. The new free-to-air (FTA) distribution service platform will be used initially for marketing and demonstration purposes but could become the catalyst for a commercial service, providing listeners across the EU with a bouquet of radio channels, both public and private, covering the majority of European languages. The bouquet will encompass genres such as popular general entertainment, news and music along with rich media and interactive entertainment capabilities, which should prove attractive to a wide variety of listeners. The demonstration platform also has the capacity to provide enriched infotainment with new in-car data services and will run as a complementary service to traditional national FM, DAB or S-band services+.

The first phase will include the following European radio stations; HIT RADIO FFH (Hessen/Germany)and planet radio (Hessen/Germany). The platform will also include the TV channel, France 24 (France). The new digital audio service will complement existing national services and offer users unique benefits not seen before when crossing member state borders and using broadcast networks. EUR Radio demonstrates how listeners in the near future will be able to tune into a radio station in their native language regardless of territory or location. Once tuned into the station of choice, reception and broadcast quality will remain constant and of superior digital quality whilst traveling across country borders within the EU, a first for broadcast customers within Europe. Solaris Mobile will make its S-band capacity on the W2A satellite available to facilitate EUR Radio, which will go live this year. The EUR Radio service offering may also be available in densely populated areas [when line of sight of the satellite may be restricted] through the use of Solaris Mobile's existing national CGC networks.