The European Union (EU) has selected Inmarsat to establish a next-generation mobile satellite communications system across the continent.

Inmarsat's S-band satellite programme, called EuropaSat, aims to deliver next-generation telecoms services across all 27 EU member states as far east as Moscow in Russia and Ankara in Turkey. Inmarsat is allying with a world-class set of partners to provide essential design and manufacturing services, technology and infrastructure support for EuropaSat. These include Thales Alenia Space to build the spacecraft, International Launch Services for the launch vehicle, and a number of leading suppliers of ground segment services and end-user products. EU telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding commented: "Mobile satellite services have huge potential: they can enable Europeans to access new communication services, particularly in rural and less populated regions. "A Europe-wide market for mobile satellite services is now becoming a reality. I call on member states to take, without any delay, any of the required follow-up steps in order to allow a timely and proper launch of the mobile satellite services."