DUBLIN-BASED Solaris Mobile is expected to be one of the main bidders in a European Commission (EC) competition to appoint pan-European mobile satellite service providers, details of which were announced yesterday.

The commission expects the successful candidates to offer services such as broadband, mobile TV, disaster relief and remote medical services using satellite-based communications.

In a statement released yesterday, the commission said, depending on the number of candidates, the selection process would be completed early next year with the first satellites launched later in 2009.

Solaris is a joint venture between SES Astra and Eutelsat Communications, two of the largest providers of satellite television services in Europe.

The company set up in Dublin last month and plans to create 50 jobs over the next three years. It has invested over €130 million in a new satellite which is due to be launched early next year. It plans to offer services on it by the second quarter of 2009.

A spokeswomen for Solaris confirmed last night that it would be applying for one of the licences. The deadline for applications is October 7th next.

The commission is keen to have a single market for mobile satellite services, which is why it has decided to have a single selection procedure rather than 27 different national competitions.

It also cited the significant investment required by service providers. That decision was adopted by the European Parliament and Council and entered into force on July 8th.

The 2 Ghz band of spectrum will be reserved for mobile satellite services.

Irish Government policy has been less favourable towards the provision of broadband services by satellite.

Earlier this year, Astra's Irish partner National Broadband sought a judicial review of the National Broadband Scheme challenging the decision not to include satellite coverage in maps showing where broadband was available.