[Satellite TODAY 11-30-09] Solaris Mobile started a major hybrid satellite and cellular network trial in Paris with the help of its project collaborators Alcatel-Lucent and TowerCast, Solaris announced Nov. 27. 
    The network aims to demonstrate the broadcast of TV and radio services to phones, other handheld devices and cars. The network will be trialed through next year, before a possible extension across the rest of France, and into other European countries.
    Solaris Mobile will provide satellite capacity and frequency rights. Alcatel-Lucent is providing transmission equipment and TowerCast is providing its antenna sites in and around Paris. The resulting ‘hybrid network’ will combine the instant coverage of satellite with the deep network capabilities of cellular mobile systems.