Operators wanting to offer mobile services using satellites need to read the fine print of the latest EU decision regarding the coverage requirements for each European country.
This move follows approval from the European Parliament that confirms that satellite services will need to cover at least 60 per cent of every country in Europe--and 50 per cent of their populations, in order to get operating spectrum. The EU believes these new mobile services will be used to 'improve accessibility, speed, and quality of electronic communications services especially in rural areas.' However, given the several-second latency associated with geo-stationary satellites, it remains unclear what services can be effectively offered via this transmission platform.
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