Nov/Dec 2004

Galileo, Europe's answer to the US-developed GPS network of navigation satellites, was expected to move a step closer to reality in December, which was when the preferred bidder was expected to be announced.

The objective is to create a new network of satellites similar to GPS, but offering advantages such as greater accuracy and more potential for added-value services. Two consortia are now in the running for developing and running the system - the iNavSat consortium, which is led by EADS Space, Inmarsat Ventures and the Thales Group and supported by more than 20 other suppliers; and The Eurely consortium, which is made up of Alcatel, Finmeccanica, Vinci Concessions and Capgemini.

Whichever consortium wins, one feature that is guaranteed is that it will have been using Navteq digital map data to ensure that its solution makes the most of the Galileo signal. Both groups selected Navteq to help with their projects, as well as using its mapping.

Galileo is being promoted as the first major European-level infrastructure procurement programme with a global dimension, as well as the first major public private partnership (PPP) at a multinational level.

 

The contract is expected to be confirmed with the winning consortium by December 2005.