First Round User Segment ITT for 'Integrated Applications and User Terminals' now open

The User Segment programme line promotes those near-to-market development activities in the area of satellite communications that have a direct effect on the user community. In the current economic climate, innovative development of new and application of existing technologies is ever more important. That's why operators and service providers are constantly looking at ways to enlarge their product/service offerings. Development of new applications and user terminals can make all the difference. Any success in a satellite communications venture relies on an appropriate combination of all system elements, in particular those that are directly exposed to use by end users. For the consumer market specifically, key factors are:

• Cost Performance
• Usability
• Size
• Weight

While other programme lines such as Technology provide the environment for the development of stand-alone products and equipment, the User Segment focuses on end-to-end concepts. In particular this ITT focuses on Integrated Applications and User Terminals which, from the users' point of view, are crucial elements in determining the attractiveness of the system and in its eventual success in the market place.

In 2004, there are three rounds of the User Segment ITT. Rounds 2 and 3 are reissues of round 1.

	Start Date	End Date
ITT 1 User Segment
Tendering Period	16.02.2004	09.04.2004
Briefing Meeting	01.03.2004	01.03.2004

	Start Date	End Date
ITT 2 User Segment
Tendering Period	17.05.2004	09.07.2004
Briefing Meeting	01.06.2004	01.06.2004

	Start Date	End Date
ITT 3 User Segment
Tendering Period	06.09.2004	29.10.2004
Briefing Meeting	20.09.2004	20.09.2004