The Commission has identified substantial markets for GALILEO services across a range of sectors and has estimated that the system will generate revenues for the operator rising from some €66 million in 2010 to over €500 million in 2020. Now, the Commission has launched a call for expressions of interest in order to allow potential operators to make themselves known and to prepare themselves for the call for tenders.
With the role played by satellite positioning systems set to grow considerably, GALILEO is likely to revolutionise society. A Commission study has suggested a concession scheme as the appropriate solution for its deployment and operation. Such a structure will provide for a clear legal relationship between the public sector and a private-sector company.
Private companies are now being asked to express interest in the GALILEO concession, which will enable European governments and the Commission to get a better picture of the candidates, their sectors of activity and initial commercial concepts.
