Hylas 1 is a satellite launched into space whose task will be to provide broadband to all of Europe, equipping even areas currently without connection with internet. A solution to the digital divide problem.
Hylas 1 is the European Union satellite with a noble purpose: to eliminate the digital divide, bringing broadband internet throughout Europe, especially to those locations not currently reached.
Hylas 1 has been in orbit since Friday, November 26th, thanks to the synergy between the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union, Avanti Communications, and Eads Astrium.
At the moment, Hylas 1‘s task is to analyze and test, conducting surveys through low-altitude flights. Once the necessary data is acquired, the core of the operation will begin: the diffusion of broadband coming from space to 22 countries, thus encompassing all of Europe.
Italy, whose digital divide issues cannot be ignored, will play a prominent role in the project, as it will be one of the countries where Hylas 1 will operate most extensively.
The operation will obviously also have commercial implications, which, although not yet known, seem likely to be introduced to the market starting in Spring 2011. There is unofficial talk of the possibility of charging a fee of around 25 euros to those who wish to join the project, finally being able to enjoy unlimited broadband.
The offer, in addition to having an acceptable price, could be of particular interest to all those families and businesses located in territories not reached by any type of infrastructure capable of providing internet connectivity, not even 3G.
News is therefore awaited regarding the first findings after Hylas 1‘s reconnaissance of Earth’s orbit, in view of the concrete application of the project and its expansion through a second satellite, on which work is already underway to broaden the range of action.
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