The limited accessibility of digital technologies - also known as "digital divide" - is a problem that characterizes both developed and under-developed countries. Developing countries are limited in their access to digital technologies: this is a key issue of today's society, since it also generates a distinction between those who can access certain information and those who are unable to do so. It is estimated that 1.54B people globally still lack access to basic voice and text services, and around 3.9B (53% of the world’s population) lack access to the internet at 3G speeds. Due to the lack of reliable and affordable ICT infrastructure, rural and remote areas remain largely isolated, and affordable and fast internet access is increasingly essential for such regions to compete and thrive in the modern society and economy. Society faces the ultimate challenge to develop effective solutions to integrate widespread and remote communities, whilst simultaneously overcoming the unfavourable cost-benefit equation.
To date, there is no solution for long distance communication based on nanosatellite constellations, since on large satellites (>1,000 kg) are the industry gold standard, which have exorbitant production, launching and operating costs.
Sky and Space Global (SAS) provides a low cost, narrow band communication network that will allow coverage anywhere thanks to the proprietary PEARLS constellation, a constellation of 200 nanosatellites. SAS offers a convenient platform for voice, data and instant messaging services, reducing the price for the customer and making communication affordable for everyone. The PEARLS communication network drives a major societal and ethical change in developing countries: not only it creates potential economic benefits for the EU (by promoting business trade with growing economies), but also increases EU competitiveness in the space industry (by bringing forward a very innovative and disruptive technology).
The objectives of the feasibility study were to evaluate technical and regulatory requirements for introduction of the PEARLS communication service on the market, develop the software to monito and control the nanosatellites from ground terminals, scale-up the software architecture, and perform a double level testing of the first 2 nanosatellites to be launched. The overall objective is to provide international affordable communication services to ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, with ANY PHONE.
