Horizon Hobby through its wholly-owned subsidiary Horizon Hobby UK Ltd. was welcomed into full membership of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) earlier this month. Through the direct participation of its almost 700 member organisations, ETSI, based in Sophia Antipolis, France produces European and global standards for information and communications technologies, including those standards directly applicable to radio controlled technologies within the EU. As an industry leader in 2.4 GHz modules, radios and receivers for radio control hobbyists, Horizon’s membership is a further demonstration of a commitment to its European market.

According to Joe Ambrose, Horizon Chief Executive Officer, “working directly within ETSI will enable Horizon to best protect our customers’ investment as the 2.4 GHz standard evolves. Additionally, as in our past work with EU regulators, notified bodies, and industry associations, Horizon seeks to be a good corporate citizen with the other industries with whom we share the 2.4 GHz band. We see the commitment of the financial and human resources necessary for ETSI membership as a continuation of our investment in Europe that began with the establishment of Horizon UK in 2004 and Horizon Deutschland last year.”

Paul Beard, Horizon Technical Vice President and inventor of Horizon’s 2.4 GHz DSM technology explained that “as modellers, we seek an interference-free and feature-rich experience; but that’s a two-way relationship with the other technologies that have similar objectives. By working directly with the wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and other industries, we can continue to find innovative ways to improve the modeler’s experience that will coexist with the inevitable and pervasive presence of other wireless technologies.”

Horizon will also continue to contribute to the continued development of European standards through the European Manufacturer & Importer Group/Radio Control (EMIG-RC) under the leadership of its Chair, Mr. Frank Tofahrn. Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH Managing Director Jörg Schamuhn stated that Horizon greatly values its membership in EMIG as an important part of ensuring access to radio spectrum for European hobbyists. Horizon will continue to be a member of this important hobby industry group in addition to its direct participation within ETSI.

About Horizon Hobby, Inc.
For more than twenty years, Horizon Hobby has been an innovator in the field of radio control modelling. Horizon has over 600 employees across the USA, UK, and Germany who share a passion for the continued growth of our industry and the success of each modeller. Horizon is the global producer of such leading brands as Spektrum, E-flite, Losi, ParkZone, Hangar 9, and Hobby Zone.