Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/16/europe_iris2_broadband_deal/
Source: The Register
Title: Europe signs off on €10.6B IRIS² satellite broadband deal
Feedly Summary: Service promised by 2030 for bloc’s take on Starlink
A competitor for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband constellation is on the way after Eurocrats signed the concession contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²).…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the European Union’s initiative, IRIS², aimed at developing a secure satellite communication infrastructure to compete with existing services like SpaceX’s Starlink. With significant funding plans and a focus on capabilities that include quantum cryptography and enhanced cybersecurity, IRIS² aims to ensure reliable connectivity for EU member states while reducing dependency on third-party providers.
Detailed Description:
The European Union is embarking on a significant project to establish its own satellite communication system called IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). The project’s overarching goals involve enhancing communication security and reducing reliance on outside satellite services, making it highly relevant for professionals in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and infrastructure security.
Key Points:
– **Budget and Funding**:
– Total earmarked budget of €10.6 billion.
– Public funding sources include €6.5 billion, while private industry will contribute over €4 billion.
– **Satellite Constellation**:
– The plan includes approximately 300 satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
– The dual-orbit strategy aims to balance low latency (LEO) with wider coverage (MEO).
– **Security Enhancements**:
– The project will leverage quantum cryptography through the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) to ensure secure communications.
– A secure-by-design approach for the entire infrastructure enhances its cybersecurity posture.
– **Goals**:
– IRIS² aims to provide secure communication services for EU member states and broadband connectivity for citizens and businesses.
– It seeks to eliminate connectivity dead zones across Europe and Africa with a resilient system.
– **Strategic Importance**:
– The EU emphasizes the urgency of building its own satellite capabilities to ensure strategic autonomy and security.
– The shift reflects a growing acknowledgment of global satellite connectivity as a crucial strategic asset.
– **Implementation Timeline**:
– Satellite services are expected to roll out in 2030, with some leveraging existing satellite capacities from member states beginning in 2025.
This initiative not only aims to enhance communication reliability but also to fortify the EU’s approach to digital sovereignty, making it an essential topic for professionals focused on security and compliance in the technology landscape. The project represents a significant advance in Europe’s strategic capabilities while emphasizing the need for secure and independent infrastructure in the face of increasing global competition.