Europe has committed up to €100 million to merge satellite and mobile communications, strengthening its position in the race for 6G and artificial intelligence.
The European Space Agency and the GSMA Foundry unveiled the programme at Mobile World Congress. At its core are non-terrestrial networks, which link satellites with ground-based systems. Together, they are expected to form the foundation of Europe’s next digital infrastructure.
Antonio Franchi, head of ESA’s 5G/6G non-terrestrial networks programme office, described connectivity as the backbone of AI-enabled services. In his view, the funding will support technologies and networks that accelerate digital transformation across industry.
Four Priorities Shaping Europe’s 6G Strategy
The programme focuses on four areas.
First, AI-driven management of multi-orbit satellite systems integrated with terrestrial networks. This should allow seamless switching between space and ground links.
Second, Direct-to-Device connectivity. As a result, standard smartphones and IoT devices would connect directly to satellites without specialist hardware.
Third, collaborative 5G and 6G testbeds. These will allow companies to trial hybrid architectures under real-world conditions.
Finally, early-stage 6G research. This includes edge intelligence and advanced IoT capabilities designed to handle rising data demands.
Collectively, the package represents one of Europe’s most significant public investments in hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications. Companies and organisations in EU member states can apply through a formal proposal process. ESA will then assess and award funding.
A Bid For Technological Independence
Global competition in satellite internet is intensifying. At present, US firms dominate much of the commercial market.
However, Franchi argues that Europe retains strengths in advanced manufacturing and specialised software. Public funding, he said, reduces risk and enables companies to scale solutions internationally.
Meanwhile, several European firms are demonstrating their work at Mobile World Congress, including Nokia, Filtronic, Celeste, Lasting Software, OQ Technology and MinWave Technologies. Their exhibits include live orchestration of non-terrestrial networks and hybrid system architectures.
A central feature highlights ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander, the European cargo craft designed for future Moon missions. Visitors can remotely operate a training rover via a live satellite link. In addition, 360-degree cameras stream footage from ESA’s LUNA analogue facility.
Taken together, the message is direct. Europe sees integrated space and mobile connectivity as critical infrastructure. It underpins telemedicine, autonomous systems and precision agriculture on Earth. At the same time, it will support operations on the Moon and beyond.
Published by Kerry Harrison
Kerry’s been writing professionally for over 14 years, after graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Canterbury Christ Church University. She joined Orbital Today in 2022. She covers everything from UK launch updates to how the wider space ecosystem is evolving. She enjoys digging into the detail and explaining complex topics in a way that feels straightforward. Before writing about space, Kerry spent years working with cybersecurity companies. She’s written a lot about threat intelligence, data protection, and how cyber and space are increasingly overlapping, whether that’s satellite security or national defence. With a strong background in tech writing, she’s used to making tricky, technical subjects more approachable. That mix of innovation, complexity, and real-world impact is what keeps her interested in the space sector.