TWISTER

The generalised availability of broadband access at competitive prices is seen by the European Commission as a key enabler for modern public services such as e-government, e-learning, e-health, and for a dynamic business environment. Satellite telecommunication-based solutions are particularly suited to bringing such services to citizens in rural areas and have the potential to provide access to millions of users throughout Europe, using interactive broadband terminals for a range of applications, whether mobile, fixed or broadcasting.

The objective of the TWISTER project is to support the development and widespread adoption of bi-directional satellite broadband services combined with wireless (WiFi) local networks to achieve a seamless broadband coverage in rural areas.

A project led by EADS Astrium has been selected for co-funding by the European Commission in the 1st call for proposals of the Aeronautics and Space priority of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). TWISTER (Terrestrial Wireless Infrastructure integrated with Satellite Telecommunications for E-Rural) is one of the first Integrated Projects to be funded under FP6 and positions Astrium and its partners as active players in bridging the Digital Divide in Europe. The project will mobilise some of Europe’s leading expertise in the area with an overall budget of M€8.5, of which M€5 will be funded by the European Commission.