According the executive of the European Commission states the two companies state it should be possible to get mobile Satellite Internet up and running by May 2011 worst case.

Both will receive the exclusive right to use radio frequencies to beam wireless Internet, television, radio or emergency communications to mobile phone users or computers that can’t connect to existing network masts.

They have promised to cover at least 60% of European Union territory. According the European Union this could boost Internet access in highlands, rural areas and remote islands that currently have poor to no access at all or end up paying astronomical fees due to limited operator choice.

Solaris is jointly owned by Luxembourg-based SES Astra and France’s Eutelsat Communications, which in future plan to deliver services to mobiles and cars. Inmarsat is mainly known for providing satellite phones in naval industry.