Public and private discuss role of satellites in creation of information society
The chief executive officers (CEOs) of major satellite operators in Europe met with European Commissioner for Enterprise and information society, Erkki Liikanen, in Brussels on 9 and 10 July at the fifth plenary meeting of the satellite action plan. The meeting discussed the role of satellites in the development of the information society and, specifically, the efforts made by the European Community along with the European space agency (ESA) to formulate a common European space strategy. The event, which focused on the theme of 'assessing the space-based contribution to radio communications services' also doubled up as the launch for the 'European satellite operators association', which is designed to act as a forum for presenting the needs and positions of satellite operators. The satellite action plan was launched in 1997 with three distinct action plans: reinforcement of EU research and development support and applications development; reinforcement of the European position at international level and completion of the internal market. The plenary meetings have helped in pinpointing problems and identifying solutions. 'European players are coming to the fore in satellite communications, a strategic industry from which Europe cannot afford to be left out,' said Mr Liikanen at the event. The specific sessions at the plenary meeting dealt with areas such as regulation if networks and content, overall management of scarce resources, free circulation of satellite terminals and services and new technologies and applications.