Solaris Mobile Announces 2nd Generation Mobile Pocket Gateway Device

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solaris Mobile Ltd, the Dublin based pioneer of new pan-European hybrid satellite and terrestrial wireless networks for next generation mobile services, announces the development of its 2^nd Generation Mobile Pocket Gateway device allowing the reception of services in S-Band on smart phones.

“Working closely with Solaris Mobile, we designed the second generation gateway with the intention of driving enhanced end-users experiences”

The 2^nd Generation device is significantly smaller in size than the original pocket gateway design which was initially launched in February this year. The new device has a chip-card like base frame measuring just 13 mm in height, helping greatly to increase its appeal due to its improved usability.

The device is an S-Band receiver which decodes DVB-SH TV, radio and data streams and replays them over Wi-Fi via a mini web server built into the device. This technology allows any compatible smart phone with Wi-Fi and a web browser to access video-on-demand, radio and data over Solaris Mobile’s hybrid network without modification.

The development of the new gateway has been achieved in close co-operation with Finnish company EB (Elektrobit Corporation) and resolves the limited supply issue of mobile phones containing inbuilt S-Band reception.

Commenting on the development, Steve Maine, CEO Solaris Mobile said: “The development of the 2^nd Generation Pocket Gateway is a significant step forward in the commercialisation of our offering as this new device solves the problem of getting compatible handsets into the market place. The device is now more streamlined in design and the user can choose their preferred smart phone and still have the benefit of being able to access a range of rich media services.”

“Working closely with Solaris Mobile, we designed the second generation gateway with the intention of driving enhanced end-users experiences,” said Jani Lyrintzis, Vice President, Wireless Solutions, EB. “As broadcasters and mobile network operators look to offer end-users more options for unparalleled access to multimedia-rich applications, including mobile TV and satellite radio services, the new gateway device becomes an optimal choice. It provides exceptional usability in cities and rural areas, on the move.”

A mock up of the new Solaris Mobile Pocket Gateway device will be on view at the IBC conference which takes place from the 10^th-14^th September 2010 where Solaris Mobile will be located on the SES ASTRA stand (stand no. 1.B51) and on the Eutelsat stand (stand no. 1.D59) in Hall 1, RAI, Amsterdam. Steve Maine, Chief Executive, Solaris Mobile will be attending the conference on Friday, 10^th September 2010 and available for interview upon request to Mary Crotty PR.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Solaris Mobile, a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES-Astra was set up in 2008 to develop next generation mobile communication services. The company intends to deploy a hybrid satellite and terrestrial network enabling the provision of mobile television, radio and data channels as well as broadband and voice communication services to be delivered to mobile phones, portable terminals and in-vehicle devices.

In May 2009, the European Commission awarded Solaris Mobile the right to operate satellite & terrestrial services in S-Band in all 27 EU member states. S-Band is spectrum residing in the 2GHz band and is adjacent to UMTS used by mobile 3G operators.

At present, Solaris Mobile is carrying out trials and has launched a pre-commercial servicer in Paris, and two other cities in France demonstrating the broadcast of TV and radio services to phones, other handheld devices and cars – across the city and surrounding areas. It is planning the launch of similar networks, but supporting other market applications in other cities, in other European countries.

For more information log onto www.solarismobile.com