Dublin - Jul 13, 2011 - Solaris Mobile has partnered with Class Editori to form a new digital radio broadcasting network for Italy. The network will start in fall 2011 with the deployment of a satellite and a terrestrial network of transmitters meant to cover Milan. Solaris, a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES-Astra, was granted the right to operate satellite and terrestrial services in the S-band in all 27 EU member states in May 2009. The S-band spectrum is in the 2GHz band, adjacent to spectrum used by 3G operators. For this roll-out, Solaris will team with Italian Network Companies to provision the terrestrial network transmission.

As planned, the Solaris Mobile radio network will give Italians access dozens of new digital radio channels broadcasting music, news, entertainment and sports, with continuity of reception across the entire country. The digital audio signals provided by this new network will also be complemented with new visual elements, delivering additional services such as program information and traffic related data. Class Editori will provide additional editorial content.

Following the implementation of the initial phase this fall, it is anticipated that a full commercial launch may take place in 2012, during which Solaris Mobile will extend the hybrid network across the whole of Italy.

"The agreement with Class Editori is a historic occasion not just for Italian radio audiences but for radio listeners throughout Europe as it signals an innovative step forward in the migration from analog to digital radio. This contract is our first and marks the debut of the delivery of services using our network infrastructure within the EU. Our hybrid satellite and terrestrial network provides a cost effective and rapidly deployable platform for digital radio broadcasters offering more channels for local, national and regional coverage," said Steve Maine, CEO, Solaris Mobile Ltd.