Local 5G pilot project 5Groningen has entered a partnership with the European Space Agency to test ways to combine 5G and satellite data.
Translation by Traci White
The new partnership means that 5Groningen, a testing ground for the successor to 4G mobile communication, will now have access to satellite information. Businesses in the ESA network can also access the 5G testing facilities.
5Groningen is running a handful of pilot projects focused on agriculture, energy, health care logistics and living environment. The Business Applications unit of the ESA is focused on similar themes.
The partnership presents an opportunity for 5Groningen to make use of ESA’s satellite services, and for ESA to use the 5G resources to test out applications for the new mobile technology. The two groups will evaluate which 5G pilots can benefit from using the satellite communications system.
In a statement on the 5Groningen website, project manager Peter Rake says that there are many promising applications for the satellite technology, including making precise measurements of weather and soil conditions. “Thanks to this partnership with ESA, we can further develop our network at companies that specialise in satellite services. This is a great opportunity to the business community in the north and central regions of the Netherlands.”
