6G challenge: Connecting the remaining unconnected

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No78 N N 55 oo5.. 4 May 2018 2020

AFRICA

Nigeria

INTERVIEW with Dr. Abiodun Olusesi The state of telemedicine and ehealth in Nigeria

C O N T E N T S Vol. 8 No. 4

IT applications in the field of health care NASA, SpaceX to launch historic spaceflight Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello despite COVID-19 pandemic Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald Yahsat offers free satellite broadband services in areas lacking SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey internet connectivity Head, Application Services M. Yakubu Unleashing technology to defeat COVID-19 Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel COVID-19 impacting satellite business Usman Bello Vodacom increases capacity of its South African network Alozie Nwankwo Algerian internet capacity suffers during SEA-ME-WE4 Juliet Nnamdi cable maintenance Client Relations Sunday Tache Lookman Bello Inside Qatar-Based Al Jazeera Media Network Safiya Thani Thuraya to support COVID-19 humanitarian response plans Marketing Offy Pat Eutelsat selected by RCS Ghana for DTH broadcast Tunde Nathaniel Wasiu Olatunde SatADSL, YahClick partner to enhance satellite Media Relations Favour Madu communications in Africa Khadijat Yakubu IEC Telecom introduces OneGate Aid Compact to curtail Zacheous Felicia COVID-19 pandemic Finance Folarin Tunde Nigeria to construct 6 ICT Parks around the country INTERVIEW with Dr. Abiodun Olusesi Space Watch Magazine is a publication of The State of telemedicine and ehealth in Nigeria Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should Roadmap for telemedicine and e-health in Nigeria be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

LEGAL CONSULTANTS Idowu Oriola & Co. Garki, Abuja

DISTRIBUTION CONTACTS Ade Adejo

ABIJAN INTERNATIONAL Suleija, Abuja

AYO DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Emir Road, Ilorin Olumayowa Ojo

NEWSROUND INTERNATIONAL Area 10, Garki, Abuja Magazine Circulation Nigeria Limited 90, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja Magazine Subscription Nigeria Limited Ikeja, Lagos.

DELALI OTCHI Ridge Church, Tudu Branch, Accra, Ghana.

AL AHRAM NEWPAPERS LIMITED Al Galaa Street -11511 Cairo-Egypt Ayo Olu

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Jos, Plateau State.

1

Editorial

IT applications in the field of health care

Sub Saharan Africa, consisting of 47 against transnational threats. “connected” medical devices in the countries and 750 million inhabitants is one In Nigeria, the healthcare system of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of of the world's regions which suffer the Nigeria consists of primary, secondary patients in other locations—can deliver on highest burden of communicable diseases. and tertiary levels of care. These levels the promise of providing quality care to It also has the lowest workforce capacity and are under the three tiers of government those who live in the remote corners of the lowest level of healthcare capacity namely Federal Ministry of Health, State earth. worldwide. Statistically reported is 25% and Local respectively. The local global burden of communicable diseases governments provide primary level of Dr. Abiodun Ousesi has had a considerable with only 3% of the world's health workforce services (lowest level of service) through impact in the Nigerian Telemedicine and 1% of international expenditure on Primary Health Care (PHC) centers. The services industry where he has supported health. All these reveal the fact that, state governments are responsible for the deployment of a broad range of creative generally health coverage is low and to secondary level of healthcare and solutions to various satisfied patients, enforce the MDGs, one has to critically delivers service through general experts, colleagues and business people, assess solutions to achieving better hospitals. Finally it is the responsibility of who had participated in the initial healthcare in these regions. the Federal Ministry of Health to deliver deployment of the Telemedicine projects in tertiary care through highly specialized Nigeria. These include Intel Corporation US, Telemedicine facilitates the use of services in teaching hospitals and federal Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Suburban telecommunications technology to provide, medical centres. Telecoms, Lagos University Teaching enhance, or expedite health care services, Hospital LUTH, and other Technical by accessing off-site databases, linking In Abuja, the federal capital territory, Organisations. He has a passion for clinics or physicians' offices to central electronic linkage of the National enhancing the lives of underprivileged hospitals, or transmitting x-rays or other Hospital, Abuja with the Federal Medical people with medical technologies; he diagnostic images for examination at Centre, Bida with the aim of creating strongly believes that appropriate medical another site. Introducing IT applications in something similar to a Wide Local Area technologies can be used to combat Poverty the field of health care through telemedicine Network (WLAN) whereby the tertiary and social exclusion in healthcare delivery schemes will require significant hospitals all can access each other, among developing economies. Having restructuring and integration of national exchange information and create a authored two books on different aspects of policies and management practices. reliable central database was made the IT in healthcare management, he possible via the assistance and support of b e c a m e a r e f e r e n c e p e r s o n f o r In Nigeria, as the healthcare market Intel Corporation based in the United Telemedicine in both Nigerian and South continues to evolve, technology will play an States of America in partnership with Africa. In addition, he has attended increasingly important role in an integrated Suburban Telecoms, a reputable numerous courses at various medical delivery system's ability to provide high- communications outfit based in Abuja, schools all over the world, including a quality, cost-effective care. Rather than providing the data link. But at the visiting physician at University of Hamburg, building hospitals in remote villages, the completion of the proof of concept Germany. In this interview with the editor of country's Ministry of Health, with the help initiated by Intel Corporation, according to Space Watch magazine, Aliyu Bello, he and funding of the its National Space Dr. Abiodun Olusesi, the pilot project detailed the evolution of the telemedicine in Research and Development Agency failed to move to the level of a programme Nigeria, its successes and challenges. (NASRDA), established a nine-site following the withdrawal of Intel telemedicine program NASRDA has Corporation from the project due to In this interview conducted years ago,Dr. installed telemedicine equipment in two absence of appropriate funding Abiodun Olusesi explains that Government Nigerian hospitals, Ibadan Teaching mechanism. has to take a lead in providing telemedicine Hospital and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, services to Nigerians. Without government as well as some additional, federal clinics In addition, the creation of an e-health taking the lead, he said, things are going to throughout the country. Additionally, infrastructure and Health Information be difficult. This country is still largely NASRDA provided a working telemedicine System for the purpose of easy access, dependent on the Federal Government. “We clinic in a bus that travels to the most remote exchange and increasing the level of are supposed to have been moving parts of Nigeria to provide primary information dissemination concerning gradually to where a lot of private initiatives; healthcare services. common health information has reached if you know the private guys are bleeding for an advanced stage at the National you to sustain your sustain your business, Furnishing connectivity for the program, the hospital, Abuja, however, according to Dr power, personnel, everything so it can be Nigcomsat satellite, Nigeria's advanced Olusesi, even though digital records are just be private initiatives, so it is supposed to communication satellite, links the medical now available, Medical Practionners at be both private and government”. data sent from the bus to the in-country the hospital still cannot access Government is supposed to play a large role hospitals, giving patients and doctors in radiological information of patients from especially in providing the Telemedicine remote areas access to expert care. This their desk for the purpose of examination. infrastructure and also in active funding of laudable project was discontinued following Telemedicine especially because large the lost and de-orbiting of the Nigerian Dr Abiodun Olusesi is the Chief numbers of people that are affected, that are Communication satellite, NigComSat 1R Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head, and going to be beneficiary of Telemedicine are satellite in 2008. Neck Surgeon at the Abuja based premier the poor, the impoverished. National Hospital. He is also the In the 21st century, health is a shared coordinator of Telemedicine and e- responsibility, involving equitable access to health—the process that allows essential care and collective defense healthcare professionals to use

5 APPOINTMENTS

Comtech moves to customer-experience-centric processes, planning process that AT&T's Board began data-driven decision-making, automation in 2017, which included a thorough strengthening its and AI to enable the Company to quickly evaluation of internal and external scale globally while responding to changing candidates. Most recently, the HR executive management market dynamics. Committee — led by AT&T Director Beth team Mooney, comprised entirely of independent ILS names new directors and supported by outside consultants — engaged in an extensive Comtech Telecommunications Corp. five-month search process to ensure that (“Comtech”), a leading provider of President and other the company's next CEO possessed the advanced secure wireless solutions new opportunities for vision, experience, talent and leadership announced the promotion of Mark qualities necessary to deliver on AT&T's Toppenberg and Jeff Harig, each to Co- customers strategic plans. Those qualities in our new President of Comtech's Tempe, Arizona- CEO are important for our future and based subsidiary, Comtech EF Data essential during these challenging Corp., the promotion of Mark Schmeichel ILS International Launch Services, Inc. economic times. to President of its Santa Clara, California- (ILS) announces the appointment of "Leadership succession is one of the based subsidiary, Comtech Xicom Tiphaine Louradour as President. Tiphaine Board's most important responsibilities," Technology, Inc. and the appointment of joins ILS with over two decade s of Space Mooney said. "After an extensive Michael Plourde as Comtech's Vice Industry and management experience, evaluation, it was clear that John Stankey President Global Engineering and most recently as President of Global was the right person to lead AT&T into the Programs. These changes are intended to Commercial Sales at United Launch future.” strengthen the leadership and drive long- Alliance (ULA). Prior to this role, Tiphaine Stankey, 57, has served as president and term revenue growth of Comtech's held a number of positions of increasing COO since October 2019. He joined AT&T satellite earth station solution product responsibility in finance, risk management, in 1985 and has more than 30 years of lines. In connection with these changes, strategy, commercial sales and marketing accomplished leadership spanning nearly the Company is also announcing that and also gained international business every area of AT&T's business, from John Branscum, Senior Vice President of experience while serving as a consultant to corporate strategy and technology, to Comtech, will be leaving the Company international consulting firms in the US and operations and media and entertainment. effective April 8, 2020. Europe. Stankey has served in a variety of roles, Tiphaine is joining ILS at a very exciting including: CEO of WarnerMedia; CEO of Viasat strengthens time. ILS, owned by JSC Khrunichev State AT&T Entertainment Group; Chief Strategy Research and Production Space Center, Officer; Chief Technology Officer; CEO of management team; currently markets the Proton launch vehicle AT&T Operations; and CEO of AT&T hires three top with the new Angara launch vehicle on the Business Solutions. executive horizon. ILS recently received approval from the US State Department to promote Intelsat announces new commercial launch services on the storied Viasat announced the expansion of its Soyuz launch vehicle. investor relations vice global leadership team with the addition of Jim Dodd, as president, Global Mobile These activities will contribute to the Soyuz president Solutions; Peter Langkilde, as vice launch service offerings by the Russian president and Head of Broadband company GK Launch Services from Intelsat, operator of the world's largest Services for Europe, Middle East and Russian spaceports (Baikonur and integrated satellite and terrestrial network, Africa (EMEA); and Dr. Krishna Nathan, Vostochny). Following an agreement has announced that Tahmin O. Clarke has as chief information officer (CIO). With between the two companies on joint joined the company as Vice President of more than 30-years of aviation cooperation in the launch service market, Investor Relations. Based in the company's experience, Jim Dodd joins Viasat as the objective is to offer customers access to McLean, Va. office, Clarke is responsible president, Global Mobile Solutions. the full range of Proton, Angara and Soyuz for managing the company's relationships launch vehicles. The combined team will with shareholders, bondholders and In this role, Jim will broaden Viasat's continue serving the customer community lenders, and the equity and fixed income mobility opportunities, strategically with the best and most flexible launch research analyst community. He will report aligning current and future satellite solutions. to Intelsat Executive Vice President and capabilities with global mobility sector Chief Financial Officer David M. Tolley. needs . Areas of focus under the global “Tahmin's financial acumen and deep mobility umbrella include: business Stephenson to retire, e x p e r t i s e i n l e a d i n g i n v e s t o r aviation, commercial aviation, connected communications in the communications cars, maritime and railway transportation, Stankey to become sector will serve as a tremendous asset to to name a few. With 30-years of global CEO July 1 us, especially during this time of industry mobile sector depth, Peter Langkilde joins transition as we evaluate our future Viasat as vice president and Head of opportunities,” said Tolley. “He brings a After serving 13 years as AT&T's Chairman Broadband Services, EMEA. In this role, deep understanding of the complexities of and CEO, Randall Stephenson, 60, will he will oversee Viasat's broadband our sector and a reputation for proactive retire as CEO but will serve as Executive services growth with respect to leading relationship-building and stakeholder Chairman of the Board of Directors until residential, business a nd community communications. We're thrilled to welcome January 2021 to ensure a smooth internet opportunities across EMEA – him to the Intelsat family.” leadership transition. setting the stage for the launch of ViaSat-3 Clarke comes to Intelsat with nearly 20 The AT&T Inc. Board has elected AT&T services inthe upcoming years. With more years' expertise in investor relations and President and Chief Operating Officer John than 25-years of next-generation IT c o r p o r a t e f i n a n c e i n t h e Stankey as CEO effective July 1, 2020, and expertise, Dr. Krishna Nathan joins Viasat telecommunications industry. Most a member of the Board of Directors effective as CIO. In this role, he will lead the recently, he was Vice President of Investor June 1, 2020. Company's digital transformation and Relations for Reston, Va.'s Ligado Stankey's selection as AT&T's next CEO platform initiatives, using analytics, Networks, a communications company that completes the final phase of a succession operates satellites and wireless networks. IN THE NEWS

Intelsat, AMN connect NASA, SpaceX to launch historic spaceflight thousands of remote despite COVID-19 pandemic areas in Africa NASA and SpaceX said pandemic. I'm going to tell also leads and founded Satellite service provider Intelsat and Africa they were pressing ahead you this is a high priority Tesla. His firm, which was Mobile Networks (AMN), a consortium that with plans to launch mission for the United founded in 2002, has now develops mobile network base stations in sub- astronauts to space from States of America," he overtaken aerospace Saharan Africa's rural areas, have announced United States soil for the added. behemoth Boeing, which they have successfully connected a thousand first time in a decade later But, he said, NASA was failed in the uncrewed remote localities in the region. This makes a this month, despite the asking that people avoid demonstration mission of total of 3.5 million more individuals that now COVID-19 pandemic. traveling to the space its Starliner spacecraft last have access to telecom services. Robert Behnken and center to witness the year and will have to start The deal for this project was signed in October Douglas Hurley, both spectacle. "That makes over. 2018. At the end of 2019, the two partners had veterans of the Space me sad to even say it boy, I succeeded in connecting more than 500 Shuttle program that was wish we could make this SpaceX, which has localities. Access to the mobile network was shuttered in 2011, will blast into something really received billions of dollars made possible by AMN's solar-powered mobile off from the Kennedy spectacular," he said. from NASA since the late connectivity solution and Intelsat's satellites Space Center in Cape 2 0 0 0 s , h a s b e e n positioned on the continent, providing mobile Canaveral, Florida on May Behnken and Hurley, who supplying cargo to the ISS broadband connectivity. 27. NASA administrator Jim have been training for the since 2012, and has Intelsat's commitment to the African community Bridenstine told reporters "Demo-2" mission for established itself as the remains unparalleled in terms of the coverage that the SpaceX Crew years, will dock with the leader in the private space and depth of our services. Hundreds of Dragon capsule will be only I n t e r n a t i o n a l S p a c e sector thanks to its companies on the continent, including virtually the fifth class of U.S. Station (ISS) and then reusable rocket, the all of the region's wireless operators, trust spacecraft to take human remain there for between Falcon 9. Intelsat's highly reliable network to provide the beings into orbit, after the one to four months, "I'll feel a little relief when infrastructure they need to offer best-in-class storied Mercury, Gemini, depending on when the they're in orbit, I'll feel services. Apollo and Space Shuttle next mission takes place, more relief when they get programs. said NASA's Steve Stich. to the station and then According to Jean-Philippe Gillet Managing "If you look globally, this will Crew Dragon is able to obviously, I will start Director of Intelsat's network business, be the ninth time in history remain in orbit for around sleeping again when “Bringing mobile connectivity to the most rural when we put humans on a four months. they're back safely on the parts of Africa requires hybrid networks and brand new spacecraft," The mission is a major planet Earth," Gwynne innovative business models to truly close the said Bridenstine. "We're milestone for SpaceX, the Shotwell, the company's business case. Our work with AMN highlights going to do it here in the company founded by chief operating officer how we can rapidly, and cost-effectively, expand midst of the coronavirus billionaire Elon Musk, who said. an MNO's (Mobile Network Operator) reach and deliver critical connectivity to communities who many previously thought were impossible to connect.” GiTy to provide internet services in Africa

With more missions that provided new and via Spacecom's AMOS-17 refreshed capacity around the globe, including Intelsat 20, Intelsat 22 and Intelsat 23 – and Spacecom operator of the over Africa and it's unique partnership will continue to other satellites launched by Intelsat all have AMOS satellite fleet, p e r f o r m a n c e a n d grow further”. added capacity over Africa. The African a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e capabilities provide us with AMOS-17 is an HTS telecoms landscape will continue to generate company signed a multi- an excellent solution for our s a t e l l i t e d e s i g n e d excitement in 2013. Overall bandwidth year contract with GiTy, very specific needs. specifically to meet Africa's availability to underserved areas is trending up a.s., a leading telecom Partnering with Spacecom f a s t g r o w i n g via new inland network build-outs. The service provider based in since as early as AMOS-3 , communication demands. challenge that will remain is providing an the Czech Republic, for C- we are confident they will The satellites C-Band acceptable user experience level into these band capacity on the provide us with high quality, HTS, Ka-Band and Ku- areas via eliminating bottlenecks and single AMOS-17 communication personalized and reliable Band capabilities, enable points of failure with a focus on reliability. satellite, in order to deliver satellite communication the combination of broad The continued growth of mobile subscribers and connectivity to embassies services. GiTy is happy to regional beams and high the delivery of mobile internet, data and video across Africa. contract capacity on the throughput spot beams services have continued to drive bandwidth Spacecom established in AMOS-17 satellite, which that maximize throughput demand. Mobile operators such as Airtel, 1994, launched its first allows us to enter Africa and spectral efficiency. Vodacom, Orange and MTN are busy deploying geostationary satellite – with state of the art A M O S - 1 7 s u p p o r t s next generation networks in countries such as AMOS-1 in 1996. A technology”. connectivity between DRC, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad to dynamic, growing, satellite Spacecom VP Sales EU Africa, the Middle East, support the demand. Despite the deployment of o p e r a t o r - S p a c e c o m and ME, Eyal Altshuler Europe, India and China. terrestrial cables, there is still demand for o p e r a t e s t h e A M O S stated, "We are proud to be Spacecom today is an Internet trunking for some landlocked countries communications satellite Gity's long-term partner established market leader such as Chad, Niger, Central African Republic fleet, covering diverse allowing us to support their in Europe, the Middle East and Burkina Faso. t e r r i t o r i e s w i t h a n g r o w i n g n e e d s o f with the 4°W orbital slot Also the growing activities in mining, banking, I n t e r n a t i o n a l g l o b a l communication in Africa. 'hot spot', has established and the oil & gas sector drive domestic expansion growth strategy. Spacecom welcomes GiTy a significant footprint in corporate network requirements; for example According to Radek on board of our new Africa and North America the NSIA group is connecting its affiliates with O n d r a s , N e t w o r k AMOS-17 satellite and I and is now expanding to their headquarters in Cote-d'Ivoire and Togo. Operations Director at trust that our long standing Asia. GiTy, “AMOS-17's position IN THE NEWS

Yahsat offers free Telemedicine on the rise in Saudi Arabia satellite broadband amid pandemic services in areas In response to the elevated Specialists speak to lacking internet risk level from the coronavirus p a t i e n t s o v e r a n “By being able to see the d i s e a s e ( C O V I D - 1 9 ) audio/video call and advise patient, you can improve the connectivity pandemic, various hospitals necessary courses of q u a l i t y o f t h e c l i n i c a l in Saudi Arabia have t r e a t m e n t s o r assessment. For example, The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has accelerated telemedicine investigations required, when a patient complained announced that it is collaborating with Al Yah health services, offering and medicines can be their asthma symptoms were Satellite Communications Company secure and virtual face-to- collected or are delivered to currently troublesome, without (Yahsat) to extend the reach of its Remote face interactions with doctors. homes. In response to the being able to see him, I would Schooling initiative for students seeking to Patients can now easily public health emergency, have asked him to come to the access e-learning platforms during the access medical consultations Johns Hopkins Aramco clinic for a fuller physical current COVID-19 situation. from the comfort of their Healthcare, Dhahran assessment. homes. (JHAH) has accelerated “But with the video visit, I could As part of the collaboration, Yahsat will the launch of primary care see that the patient wasn't in provide high-speed satellite broadband The telemedicine services and psychiatric video any respiratory distress, services for students and teachers in multiple have come handy at a time sessions. looked well and had no locations across the UAE, where terrestrial when the Kingdom is fighting difficulty breathing, so I could broadband alternatives are unavailable. the COVID-19, and physical Since March, JHAH's make a better judgment and Yahsat's satellite links will provide remote distancing is the norm to primary care physician, Dr. develop a more appropriate users access to online libraries, educational break the virus's spread. Nisar Ul-Islam Yaseen, and management plan, which did applications and collaborative platforms, Chief of Psychiatry and not require him to attend the ensuring e-learning and knowledge sharing Individuals can book their Mental Health Services Dr. hospital.” Video calls have through this phase of home-based appointments with their Abdulsamad Al-Jishi, have additional benefits for the schooling. The company's services will be hospital's doctors using been connecting with patients, as the restrictions in available to users free of charge. various communication patients using MyChart, the place to limit the spread of channels, including their call patient portal that is part of C O V I D - 1 9 , s u c h a s Her Excellency Jameela Al Muhairi, Cabinet center number, website, and the hospital's electronic quarantine, can be stressful for Member and Minister of State for Public mobile apps. Speaking to medical record. some people. Patients feel Education, stated, “Continuity of learning Arab News, Dr. Shaikh m o r e c o n n e c t e d a n d and the provision of educational tools and Abdullah said: “During this Dr. Yaseen told Arab News: reassured because they can resources are key national priorities in the g l o b a l p a n d e m i c , “I found that video visits, see their doctors, who can pick current conditions. The success of our telemedicine is emerging as when compared to the u p o n n o n - v e r b a l mission depends on unifying nationwide an effective and sustainable alternative of a telephone communication cues and are efforts across institutions and individuals. solution for prevention and appointment, offer a able to “express sympathy and After the launch of the Ministry's Remote treatment to contain the v a l u a b l e e x t r a empathy, unlike via telephone Schooling initiative, we have witnessed a spread of COVID-19.” communication modality. or email,” Dr. Yaseen added. high level of responsibility, awareness and increased logistic and financial support that are helping us achieve the desired outcomes. We are grateful to all our strategic ITU postpones Digital World 2020 event partners for their contributions.” “The current educational phase is markedly As a result of the ongoing education, entertainment, The SDGs offer an ideal different from the conventional approach. It is C O V I D - 1 9 c r i s i s , t h e n e w s , p u b l i c framework for this, and ICTs defined by technological capabilities and I n t e r n a t i o n a l announcements and to our themselves are essential tools smart learning solutions that the UAE has Telecommunication Union friends and families. For the for the achievement of these built over the years and the Ministry (ITU) and the Ministry of first time, digital solutions goals. endeavored to develop and adopt. We will I n f o r m a t i o n a n d and platforms are being The Government of Viet Nam continue to provide students quality Communications, Vietnam used on a massive scale to and ITU call upon global education, despite obstacles. Our have taken the difficult help cope with and respond leaders, governments and the collaboration with Yahsat is a pioneering decision to postpone ITU to a pandemic. tech industry to ensure they model that complements the Ministry's long- Digital World 2020, the global are present and fully engaged, term vision of employing high-tech tech event for government, The COVID-19 crisis has to rise to the challenge and competences for educational purposes.” industry and SMEs. The event also, however, highlighted its strengthen the multilateral, will now take place as ITU own digital divide, where collective digital response to Her Excellency continued, “Yahsat is a D i g i t a l Wo r l d 2 0 2 1 i n many families, workers, this crisis. International events leading global enterprise that possesses the September 2021 in the same businesses and populations such as ITU Digital World 2021 required expertise and advanced capabilities venue in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. We are not able to access or are more important than ever to extend the reach of the Remote Schooling believe this is the best and afford the benefits of digital as a platform bringing together initiative to include areas lacking regular safest course of action to technology. Action is the global ICT community to internet services. Yahsat will provide high- ensure the well-being and urgently needed to ensure a learn, share knowledge, speed broadband connections and technical safety of all event participants fair access to ICTs, for the debate and network. support, enabling effective communications and guarantee a successful benefit of all. Now, more than We must work together to and learning for virtual school communities event. ever, governments, industry, highlight the critical importance through various digital platforms and the The world is facing an international organizations, of ICT in the wake of COVID- Ministry's smart learning portal. We thank unprecedented threat from NGOs, academia and other 1 9 , a d d r e s s t h e s t a r k Yahsat's leadership team for their steadfast COVID-19 and ICT has stakeholders must work inequalities of access and commitment and support.” become a key ally in together to find mutually adopt concrete, urgent Her Excellency also highlighted the combatting this threat and beneficial solutions. measures to accelerate digital importance of knowledge-sharing among helping to prevent, detect and We must set ambitious, transformation across all youth, noting that it is vital for a bright diagnose disease. It has taken measurable goals for sectors and to connect all prosperous future, enabling them to lead the on a new importance in ensuring an equitable global citizens to digital development and growth of their country. connecting us for health, work, transition to the digital age. services. ANALYSIS

Unleashing technology to defeat COVID-19

With COVID-19 pandemic, the big question that comes to mind is how do corporate leaders structure a company to be aware of social and community needs? Here are what ITU, WHO and private companies are doing about the pandemic. Based on this report. ?

In the 1900s, Poliomyelitis was an acute their investments. month, it announced on its website. This viral infectious disease that became month's WHI deployments will bring new or pandemic in different parts of the world. At With COVID-19 pandemic, the big enhanced broadband access to 180 the onset, most infected patients were question that comes to mind is how do communities in Quebec and Ontario, treated in custom-designed sanatoriums corporate leaders structure a including agricultural regions, small towns until the 1930s. During this period, access company to be aware of social and and other rural locations. Bell CEO Mirko to fresh air and natural sunlight were community needs while still fulfilling Bibic stated that a 40% increase in WHI dominant hospital design drivers in these corporate responsibility to share usage over the last month amid the hospitals. However, this model of care was holders or should we survive at all cost COVID-19 pandemic 'has clearly overturned in 1934 when the Drinker for the sake of business? And where underscored the value of the service to Respirator or 'iron lung' machine was do you draw the line? customers in smaller communities.' WHI imported from the US. Invented by Philip currently delivers internet speeds of up to Drinker and Louis Shaw, the Drinker SpaceX is manufacturing its own hand 25Mbps but Bell promises upgrades to Respirator machine treated poliomyelitis sanitizer and face shields with plans to faster connections in the future. Bell patients by allowing them to breathe donate the materials to hospitals and ultimately plans to cover approximately artificially. This machine, located at GOSH, places in need to help fight the novel one million homes in Atlantic Canada, was the only one of its kind for some time coronavirus pandemic, according to Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba with WHI but was available to other thoracic an internal memo. The company also services. surgeons. Eventually, a polio vaccine was plans to host a voluntary blood drive at developed and introduced into Britain its headquarters in Hawthorne, Thuraya has also announced the launch of through a national immunisation California, and is looking into setting the COVID-1 9 Global Humanitarian programme that reduced the 6,000 up drives at other SpaceX locations. Response Plan (HRP). The company plan poliomyelitis cases per annum. SpaceX claims that the home-brewed to use its expertise and apply lessons hand sanitizer made by the facilities, learned from the 2014-2016 Ebola However, the functional lifespan of the 'iron materials engineering, and health and outbreak, to help the global community lung' was approximately 20 years. safety teams “complies with CDC implement the HRP and save lives during Therefore, spaces created for Drinker guidelines and is effective at killing the COVID-19 pandemic. machines became obsolete by 1960. After COVID-19.” The face shields are In 2014, the company had a similar 1960, the 'iron lung' was developed into a being manufactured by the same team arrangement with ETC during the Ebola negative pressure ventilator, increasing its that builds space suits and crew outbreak, when it supplied voice and size to 3.2875sqm. equipment. So far, engineers made up broadband links for the World Health to 75 masks over the weekend and Organization, U S Centers for Disease Still, healthcare heavily relies upon donated them to Cedars-Sinai Control a nd Prevention, NetHope and technology as a tool to save lives. Not only Medical Center in Los Angeles. other NGOs in the severely affected areas is technology embedded in the fabric of of Sierra Leone. Wireless connection ns hospital buildings, it has become key to all According to WHO, Coronavirus were essential for health workers and relief processes, management and delivery disease (COVID-19) is the first agencies in different locations to stay within a hospital's organization pandemic in human history where connected and share instant updates, technology and social media are being including emerging hotspots and rates of Current state used on a massive scale to keep death and recovery. However, cellular net In response to the elevated risk level from people safe, productive and works could not handle the surge of user the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) connected while being physically traffic. pandemic, private sector players in apart. Health workers are utilizing The Global HRP is a co-ordinated US$2 partnership with the governments all over telemedicine to diagnose patients and billion humanitarian response to fight the world have put its best foot forward in hospitals rely on being connected to COVID-19 in 51 countries across, Africa, using ICT tools to figure out the COVID-19 coordinate and triage them. the Middle East, Asia and South America. challenges and has already brought on Providing ubiquitous coverage in more board popular mobile applications and Bell Canada has accelerated the than 160 countries, Thuraya will enable locally-developed solutions to control the rollout of its Wireless Home Internet always-on voice and internet connections damages caused by the pandemic.. When (WHI) broadband service in rural for COVID-19 relief missions, especially in social needs meet business realities, there Canada as part of its response to the regions where telecommunications may be limited resources that can be COVID-19 crisis, and is on track to infrastructure is likely to be weak or spared if companies want to provide a reach 137,000 more homes than unavailable. reasonable return to the shareholder on originally planned by the end of this MARKET ANALYSIS

COVID-19 impacting satellite business

Eutelsat says the launch of EUTELSAT QUANTUM, designed to revolutionise the traditional satellite paradigm by scaling new heights of flexibility and unleashing new potential for satellites earlier planned for the third quarter of calendar 2020, imay be delayed.

Compared with many industries, Eutelsat's 'transmit' coverages in the Ku-band, from November 2020. Our policy of 'a stable to activity has been highly resilient, wide beams to spot beams, are progressive dividend' will be resumed as characterized as it is by long-term independently configured; which allows soon as circumstances permit, based on our contracts, a substantial backlog, €4.3bn as multiple, independent definitions to be resilient cash-flow generation and robust of 31 December 2019, representing 3.3 optimised where and when required. financial health. years of revenues and the criticality of our In consequence the revenue ramp-up of capacity for customers. This is especially these two expansion satellites will be The share buyback program of at least €100 true of our core broadcast business which pushed out. This will have no impact on million by June 2022 was launched in March represents over 60% of revenues. revenues of the current fiscal year, but with a first tranche of €20 million by July 2020 delays will affect our expectations for FY which is well underway and will be completed The company said the overall the impact on 2020-21. in due time. The program will then be FY 2019-20 total revenues will be limited. suspended until further notice. Nevertheless, certain verticals or sub- verticals are feeling the effects of the Financial outlook current crisis, particularly since mid-March. In the light of the impact in the Third and Financial position These include occasional Use (circa 1% of Fourth Quarters, we estimate the risk to FY Despite these challenges, Eutelsat's financial Group revenues, included in the 2019-20 revenues resulting from the profile is strong with a Net Debt to EBITDA Professional Video vertical) which is Covid-19 crisis is of the order of €20 ratio of 3.2x at end-December 2019 providing impacted by the postponement or million. In consequence, the company now substantial headroom relative to the 4.0x cancellation of sports and other events; expect revenues from the five operating Debt covenant on non-Bond Debt. Mobile Connectivity (6% of Group verticals of around €1,250 million1, revenues) which is affected by the impact compared with our previous expectation of Rodolphe Belmer, Chief Executive Officer of on airline and maritime traffic; and, to a revenues in the lower end of a range of Eutelsat Communications, said: “In this lesser extent, Fixed Broadband (6% of €1,270 to €1,315 million2. This limited unprecedented context, our focus is on the Group revenues) which is experiencing a impact highlights the resilience of our health and well-being of our employees and slowdown in gross adds in a context of overall activities. wider communities and on ensuring full more challenging customer gathering. business continuity for our customers, at a We continue to assess the effect of the time when the demand for high quality, According to the Eutelsat, revenues at the crisis on the outer years. While this is reliable connectivity has never been higher. end of February were in line with our ongoing, we are temporarily suspending expectations; however, these effects will be our objective of Discretionary Free-Cash Our activity is resilient compared with many progressively felt in the Third and Fourth flow of circa €500 million3 in Fiscal year industries, in particular our core Broadcast quarters of the current Financial Year 2021-22, although we are confident our business. However, certain verticals, notably (2019-20), and are likely to be reflected at business will remain highly cash Mobility, Professional Video and to a lesser least into the early months of FY 2020-21, generative. An updated objective will be extent Fixed Broadband are feeling the together with a more generalised provided by the end of July. effects of the containment measures, and we slowdown in the pace of new business. are adjusting our current year revenue Elsewhere, the crisis is affecting the With regard to the other elements, cash expectations in consequence. Pending operations of other players in our supply capex will remain at an average not analysis of the impact of the crisis on chain, notably satellite manufacturers, exceeding €4004 million per annum for the revenues in the outer years, we are launchers, and gateway installers, with the period July 2019 to June 2022; as the temporarily suspending our 2022 following impacts: company will continue to implement the Discretionary Free cash flow objective, and LEAP 2 plan, aimed at generating €20 to as an additional measure of prudence, we However, the launch of EUTELSAT 25 million in annual savings by Fiscal year will, exceptionally, recommend a 30% cut to QUANTUM, planned for the third quarter of 2021-22; this years' dividend. calendar 2020, is likely to be delayed. Also, the deployment of ground gateways We maintain our objective of a sound Our combination of resilient heritage supporting the operations of EUTELSAT financial structure to support our activities complemented by connectivity- KONNECT is likely to be partially delayed. investment grade credit rating and will related growth opportunities, together with The innovative software-defined “Eutelsat continue to aim at a medium-term net debt / our well embedded strategy of strict financial Quantum” programme will raise the bar for EBITDA ratio around 3x. discipline, aimed at preserving a solid liquidity service delivery by enabling clients for the position and strong cash generation capacity, first time to actively define the performance As a measure of prudence and in order to mean we are well placed to withstand the and flexibility they need from a satellite. preserve maximum financial flexibility challenges of the current environment and to The new “Eutelsat Quantum” design is a during this uncertain period, we are also revert to our regular dividend policy as soon first in the commercial satellite industry, temporarily suspending our policy of 'a as circumstances permit.” enabling satellite footprints to be designed stable to progressive dividend'. The Board on-board by software. The complete of Directors will recommend a dividend cut electronic synthesis of 'receive' and of 30% in respect of FY 2019-20 to the Annual General Shareholders' meeting in IN THE NEWS

Arabsat announces Vodacom increases capacity of its South virtual General African network

Assembly meetings South African operator, installation of smart energy price cuts of up to 40 Vodacom has announced management solutions percent on its 30-day data plans to spend more than a n d s u p p l e m e n t a r y bundles and launched a Arab Satellite Communications Organization $27 million to add network network capacity. range of free essential Arabsat has held the 43rd session of its General capacity during the lockdown services available through Assembly meetings with the presence of the that is in place while the Vodacom says it has also its zero-rated ConnectU H o n o r a b l e A r a b M i n i s t e r s o f country tries to manage the secured permits from platform on 1 April. Telecommunications and Information and spread of the coronavirus. government to enable its Heads of Delegations. field teams to continue Vodacom provides satellite Vodacom Group Limited performing their critical and terrestrial network Founded in 1976 by the 21 member-states of the (Vodacom) is an African duties, such as repairs and i n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d Arab League, Arabsat has been serving the mobile communications u p g r a d e s t o k e y interconnection services growing needs of the Arab world for over 30 company providing voice, c o m m u n i c a t i o n s f o r A f r i c a n a n d years. m e s s a g i n g , d a t a a n d infrastructure. Vodacom i n t e r n a t i o n a l Now one of the world's top satellite operators, converged services to over has also ordered spare t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s and by far the leading satellite services provider 57.5 million customers. From p a r t s n e e d e d f o r companies. Vodacom also in the Arab world, Arabsat carries over 500 TV its roots in South Africa, maintenance in advance. provides a range of channels over 200 radio stations, two pay-TV Vodacom has grown its This initiative is taking connectivity solutions to networks and a wide selection of HD channels operations to include place in the wake of traffic multinational corporations reaching tens of millions of homes in more than networks in Tanzania, the surges that are affecting operating across Africa. 100 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Democratic Republic of most operators as more Europe, Central Asia--including an audience of Congo, Mozambique, and people work at home or For carrier voice services, over 170 million viewers within the 21 Arab Lesotho and provides carrier simply use the internet a Vodacom offers African countries alone. and business services to great deal more during the i n t e r c o n n e c t i o n t o customers in over 40 African national lockdown. international operators for It was planned to have the General Assembly countries. the completion of calls meetings of Arabsat in the Kingdom of Jordan I t c e r t a i n l y s e e m s originated internationally, under the kind patronage of His Majesty King The company has said that it necessary given that as well as international Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of will spend the $27 million South Africa has imposed network connection for Jordan, but due to the global circumstances of over two months to add a five-week lockdown African operators for the Corona pandemic and the inability to travel , it network capacity and lasting until the end of April. completion of international was decided to hold the Board and the General increase network resilience Vodacom has said that it c a l l s . C a r r i e r v o i c e assembly meetings virtually in coordination with during the lockdown period expects network traffic to services include intra- the Jordanian administration. and to help cope with any increase even further as Africa network connectivity possible load shedding. This customers connect for for the completion of calls Operating a growing fleet of owned satellites at includes accelerating the longer after it implemented between African operators. the 20°East, 26°East, 30.5°East, 39°East and 44.5°East positions of the geostationary orbit, Arabsat is the only satellite operator in the MENA CSS and Forsway partner to deliver affordable region offering the full spectrum of broadcast, telecommunications and broadband services. broadband connectivity in West Africa This capacity will continue to expand with the launch of Arabsat's new 6th-generation CSS, a West African services and opportunities make a difference in our satellites, making the Arabsat satellite fleet the communications services aimed at help build a local markets.” youngest in the region. provider with 20 years of productive economy, Tobias Forsell, CEO of experience supplying business, education and Forsway, added: “We In his message to the Excellencies Ministers and critical satellite and access to health services have teamed up with Heads of Delegations, His Excellency Engineer / b r o a d b a n d s e r v i c e s , and information. Arabsat who, using our Muthanna Hamdan Al-Gharaibeh, Minister of together with Forsway, a Xtend satellite extension Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in provider of innovative CSS' CEO and founder platform and BADR-7, Jordan, expressed his best wishes of safety to all solutions tapping satellite H o u s s e i n C h e r i f provide managed, pan- Arab countries and the world, hoping to meet in and existing terrestrial commented: “We have A f r i c a n b r o a d b a n d the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the coming services to local and years, God willing. technologies to enable been trialing the Xtend cost-efficient broadband, Africa managed service regional communications Eng. Khaled bin Ahmed Balkheyour, President & have announced the next from Arabsat / Forsway service providers like CEO of Arabsat, said, “On behalf of all Arabsat phase of their cooperation during a first assessment C S S . W i t h p e o p l e employees, I extend my sincere thanks to His in Mauritania to deliver phase. The results, restricted in their mobility, Majesty King Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite affordable broadband in boosting poorly performing affordable broadband is Kingdom of Jordan, for his gracious patronage to West Africa. mobile and VSAT links in more critical than ever. Arabsat General Assembly, where His Majesty an affordable and dynamic With over 3 billion people used ,since Arabsat foundation, to support, host Ta p p i n g C S S ' l o c a l way, are very promising. lacking reliable internet and sponsor many of its media & technical expertise, Arabsat's Xtend access, activities” Africa managed service, Therefore, despite the and Forsway's unique uncertain times we live in, Forsway is working hard "The most important item of the General s a t e l l i t e b r o a d b a n d we committed to investing to do our part in making Assembly meetings is to discuss the report of the extension, the partners in additional equipment connectivity accessible to board of directors, and to approve Arabsat came together to provide and expand our West all.” financial final account in addition to its new emerging economies in African service offering. projects " he added. Africa with access to Now, more than ever, affordable satellite internet affordable broadband can Pay TV

6G challenge: Connecting the remaining unconnected population

At the end of 2018, there were around 3.9 billion unconnected people out of 4.4 billion that were unconnected in 2014.While 5G connectivity will address bandwidth explosion in urban areas, future networks are being currently designed to expand the scope of connectivity in rural and underserve areas of the world.

New and emerging broadband connectivity, Internet penetration is as low as 19.0%3, the Ku band. But OneWeb is not alone. 5G has been launched globally to address the this shift is ongoing, and by 2040, rural SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, plans to launch a constellation of 12, 000 increasing load on cellular systems due to the population is forecasted to surpass the urban population. satellites, named “Starlink”. It has the explosion in rich media content, such as It was noted by McKinsey that 75% of the same objective of providing internet to the audio, video and gaming. The advancements unconnected population reside in 20 underserved areas of the planet. will also cope with the tremendous increase countries, are mostly concentrated in in demand for high data rates due to the use rural areas, have low income and low SpaceX has secured the approval of the of real-time video streaming, social media, literacy rates. In fact, a model developed Federal Communications Commission large downloads, etc. by the institution showed that internet (FCC) to deploy up to a million ground penetration depends on the income per antennas for its Starlink satellite It is expected that 5G connectivity will capita and the country's risk measure in constellation project. Earlier, the f a c i l i t a t e m a s s i v e m a c h i n e - t y p e terms of political, security, economic, company's founder Elon Musk referred to the antenna as "a UFO on a stick." communications dedicated to accommodate legal, tax, and operational risk rating. Today, the global community is pushing SpaceX recently undertook the a large number of sensing devices. The new for ubiquitous geographical coverage successful launch of its sixth batch of system is poised to also address key that will offer basic connectivity Starlink satellites, which is part of the challenges for 5G cellular systems, anywhere anytime, to everyone company's impressive project to deliver particularly evolving mechanism to handle irrespective of location, in the hope that high-speed internet from space. the dense M2M traffic emanating from IoT with their coverage growing to cover Recently, the company was able to devices. Many of these devices will access the gradually the areas with little or no secure a key government license to begin network frequently and periodically to connectivity. rolling out another important feature of its transmit relatively short amounts of data. Starlink project. According to federal However, these use scenarios demand The role of satellite documents filed by the company, the FCC extensive deployment of infrastructure For more than two decades, satellites has given SpaceX approval to release that can support the high rate low latency have been used to deliver high-speed about one million antennas that are communications, which is mostly data communication services to designed to work with the Starlink available in urban areas. geographical areas that are hard to reach satellites. with other modern telecommunication According to the company, the antennas A major challenge is to provide internet infrastructure and to provide network are designed to connect users to connectivity to the unconnected resiliency. As the Internet has emerged SpaceX's network of satellites. population of the world, located mostly in as an essential information service over Measuring at about 19 inches across, rural areas of developing countries. the same time period, satellites are often Musk noted that the antennas look like At the end of 2018, there were around 3.9 the best option for providing broadband small UFOs. The SpaceX founder also billion unconnected people out of 4.4 transport to higher cost areas, which are said that these devices are very easy to billion that were unconnected in 2014, currently under or unserved. The industry install and use. while the idea of providing connectivity to generates approximately USD 18 to USD From the current number of 400 satellites, rural and remote areas has been on the 22 billion annually for satellite operators the space venture is planning to scale it agenda of the ITU long before that, according to OECD report. up to over 40,000 satellites. The company barriers to connectivity so far include envisioned shroud Earth to make affordability and low income, incentives or Today, new satellite networks are being available an inexpensive but fast Internet relevance, and user capabilities and launched with large numbers of small connectivity around the world. It could illiteracy as well as infrastructure. satellites in order to provide large potentially generate billions of dollars in bandwidth capacity with the aim of revenue for SpaceX once it becomes According to the statistics of United providing internet connectivity to every successful. Nation's Population Division, it is corner of the world. They are contributing OneWeb, one of SpaceX's rivals, recently estimated that almost half of the global to the proliferation of high powered filed bankruptcy last month after population is in the rural areas. Thus, satellite systems, and more specifically unsuccessful negotiations for more cash development efforts made in the remote at LEO orbits. For instance, OneWeb from Japanese conglomerate SoftBank. and rural areas are efforts to improve the plans to launch a network of 2, 000 LEO SoftBank suffered financial problems lives of the majority of the people, and satellites operating at an altitude 1, 200 brought by the coronavirus pandemic. It is affordable broadband access should be Km in collaboration with Airbus. The first another company that plans to provide one of key elements which create an six satellites of this constellation were high-speed internet from space. It also enabling environment in such areas. launched in February 2019. Satellites are falls behind SpaceX in launching internet Looking into the regions, in Africa, were around 150 Kg in mass, and operate in satellites with only 74 satellites in orbit. INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Cloud services rising amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Now more than ever, cloud computing is ensuring that everyone can access the information they need helping to reach everyone with vital health messages, whatever their connectivity level. John Samuel reports

Cloud computing is not new to the IT world; Despite it overwhelming advantages, a it can be discovered back to the 1960s infrastructure; they can just rent it as a recent survey showed many companies when it was identified or known as “Utility service. According to a recent survey, are unwilling to outsource even the Computing”. However, for Microsoft, a lot of companies are moving to the applications that comprise less sensitive strength of its Cloud services has continues cloud to gain various advantages like information. They still prefer their in- to drives third quarter results speed and flexibility. house infrastructure largely due to the Ahmed Adesanya, Managing Director, fact that they fear not having control of “We've seen two years' worth of digital Petrovice Resources International their data and systems. The few that transformation in two months. From remote said, cloud computing is the next agreed said they will only consider it teamwork and learning, to sales and major driver of business innovation after a thoroughly analyzing the risk of customer service, to critical cloud because it will transform the provision dealing with the third party and will also infrastructure and security – we are working of IT services across all industries. do it in phases with one or two alongside customers every day to help Cloud computing, he said improves application or process to start with. them adapt and stay open for business in a productivity as staff are not confined to Business Connexion Limited (BCX), world of remote everything,” said Satya provider of Data Centre and Cloud Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft. Services in Africa launched its cloud “Our durable business model, diversified computing services in Lagos. With a portfolio, and differentiated technology data center based in Ikeja, Lagos, it offer stack position us well for what's ahead.” Infrastructure aSadeeqs a S eOmeizarvice (IaaS) Messaging as a Service (MaaS), “In this dynamic environment, our sales SharePoint as a Service (SPaaS), Lync teams and partners executed a solid third as a Service (LaaS) and Private Cloud to quarter, with Commercial Cloud revenue Enterprises and Government. generating $13.3 billion, up 39% year over year,” said Amy Hood, executive vice Having the data center locally is president and chief financial officer of expected to reduce the security concern Microsoft. customers have over the services and Traditionally, people have flash drives and they will keep the bandwidth costs at a move around with it to be able to access their minimum. The CEO of BCX Benjamin Mophatlane, said that traditional Web data when they want to by just plugging it into a Ayotunde Coker USB port. hosting makes customers pay for fixed With could services, service uptime is in storage space and fixed amount of most cases guaranteed, providing the four walls of their office but rather bandwidth when traffic to websites continuous availability of resources. It also they can work from anywhere over the varies and bandwidth and storage offers the process of backing up and Web, with the help of an Internet needs fluctuate over time. With cloud recovering data that is simplified since e n a b l e d c o m p u t e r d e v i c e . computing, an organization will only pay those now reside on the cloud and not on a Additionally, it enables access to the for the storage and bandwidth used and physical device. organization's services at anytime and not a fixed amount. Cloud computing has the ability to solve anywhere instead of when the Africa's problem of lack of IT infrastructure infrastructure is in house which limits According to report, the ever growing IT that can cater for the needs of the staff access when the office closes. needs of Digitized Nigerian businesses population. The technology is suited for the Furthermore, the cost of cloud is the reason why companies are continent because companies do not have computing is lower compared to the beginning to offer cloud computing to own, manage and maintain the traditional environment. services in Nigeria. Globacom, MTN and INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Etisalat Telecommunication companies comes after completing a 2,000 square Nigeria the cost of providing broadband in Nigeria are currently offering cloud feet data center already. MTN Nigeria connectivity per subscriber is computing services. The Nigerian another telecommunication company high in most areas, but much lower per Government through the Galaxy has opened a 500 square meters data subscriber in cities like Lagos and other Backbone, a government parastatal is center, aimed at offering cloud services densely populated cities compared to offering cloud services to the government to small and medium enterprises rural areas and cities with sparse Ministries, Departments and Agencies (SMEs) across the country. For population. (MDAs) as well as the private sector. instance, Airtel launched its 1858 In Nigeria, most of the major broadband square meter data center in 2012 to infrastructure such as WACS, Mainone In Nigeria, leading cloud service cater to its subscriber base. and Glo 1 fiber optic Cables are sited in providers include Rack Centre, IT Lagos except for Nigcomsat -1R which is solutions, Cloud Host Nigeria, Go4 However, Nigeria's Rack Centre is the satellite. According to a report, these Hosting Nigeria, Host Ville Nigeria, leading network-neutral data centre in infrastructures are not adequately spread Utiware.net Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, West Africa. Rack Centre has network to other cities due to lack of domestic SimbaNET (U) limited, DESCASIO abundance of over 35 carriers and ISPs backbone networks. This lack of CLOUD Solutions, GBB, NigComSatLyd, platform at Tier III, all metro network domestic network infrastructure, the Galaxy Backbone and Etisalat / 9Mobile in the region is reachable from Rack report says is the major problem inhibiting Nigeria. Centre. Traffic on all 40,000 plus the growth of broadband. Some states towers and last mile access end including the Federal Capital Territory Web traffic in Africa comes mostly from points to the over 100 million internet have fiber networks within the state but mobile phones compared to fixed lines. users in the region is backhauled into there are very limited connections Africa has the highest number of web the IXPN hosted at Rack Centre. between fiber networks from one state to traffic that comes from mobile than fixed All the 5 undersea cables (ACE, Glo1, another. According to the Former Nigeria line in the world. According to latest MainOne, SAT3 and WACS), are Minister of Communications Technology, report. 57.9% of Nigeria's web traffic directly connected to Rack Centre, that Omobola Johnson, Internet penetration is comes from mobile technology while means every country on the Atlantic still very low with broadband penetration Zimbabwe 58.1% and Zambia 44% as coast of Africa is directly connected to even lower. And where there is compared to 10% average across the Rack Centre. connectivity between states it is only globe. This is expected to continue and Cloud Computing is new in Nigeria and between state capitals. In a nutshell there mobile Internet traffic is expected to grow Africa as a whole. According to Prof. is the absence of long distance national up to 25 fold over the next four years. Cleopas Angaye former Director backbone to carry and distribute the General of National Information capacities provided by the submarine Technology Development Agency cables mentioned above to the users in Cloud computing in Nigeria (NITDA), Nigeria is yet to tap into the offices, schools, and homes in the In 2011, the Nigerian Government benefits of this technology because of hinterland across Nigeria. estimated to have spent N19.4 billion the number of challenges facing and Another major problem limiting the ready ($121. 25 million) on data center alone. confronting the nation's IT industry. adoption of cloud services is the high cost According to the government, this is not of bandwidth required to transfer data sustainable and ways must be adopted to Major infrastructure that supports cloud through the Internet especially when reduce and manage it better in the face of services such as electricity; fast, reliable working with data intensive applications. growing Information Communication and affordable Internet connectivity; However, development of innovative Technology usage. The report says the network backbone and so on are very cloud solutions that are suitable for Federal Government plans to adopt cloud limited in Nigeria. And even when government institutions in Nigeria, such computing services in order to cut cost of available it is unreliable and present as CliniPak a mobile healthcare solution ICT infrastructure. The government's is only within major cities leaving many currently in use in Nigeria will ultimately building of a cloud infrastructure for rural areas and smaller cities in the dark. help improve cloud services adoption. Ministries, Departments and Agencies The poor state of electricity in Nigeria is Similar solutions should be developed for (MDAs) aimed at not only saving cost but undesirable for data center providers the various sectors in Nigeria in simple to also driving efficiency and productivity who will rather partner or establish their use and affordable manner. across MDAs. data centers abroad as this often is The use of the technology is starting to cheaper for them than incurring huge Though backbone networks play major yield result in the workings of its cost providing private electricity through role in the delivery of ICT services Integrated Payroll and Personnel generators. including cloud services in all countries, Information System (IPPIS). The but there isn't long distance national application is used to manage civil As a result, many consumers and third- backbone to carry and distribute the servants' identification and payroll in a part vendors in Nigeria are more capacities provided by the submarine cloud, which are more efficient and comfortable buying data center services cables to the users in offices, schools, effective wayon and it has saved the from data center providers who are and homes in the hinterland across federal government a lot as compared to either located abroad in countries with Nigeria. the manual process, used earlier. EMC more reliable infrastructure or who have T h e c o s t o f s u p p o r t i n g c l o u d Regional Manager for West Africa, their data center backup situated infrastructure and services in Nigeria is Rasheed Jimoh said the time is right for abroad. still quite high and limited. There are no Nigeria to embrace cloud computing. manufacturing or assembly plants in Backbone networks play major role in Nigeria for cloud equipment. This implies Telecommunication companies in Nigeria the delivery of ICT services including that every equipment that is used for are investing in data center infrastructure cloud services in all countries, cloud deployment is imported from to benefit from what a cloud computing contributing a huge portion of the total outside the country. w i l l t o o f f e r . G l o b a c o m , a cost incurred by network providers to telecommunication company is building a their overall cost. Therefore, in a country 40,000 square feet data centre, this with very vast geographical spread like IN THE NEWS

Algerian internet COVID-19 is accelerating Morocco's digital capacity suffers transformation during SEA-ME- Like other countries, general public. than 2.4 million citizens working Morocco is going digital Even before COVID-19, in an in the informal sector. For those WE4 cable across almost all sectors in unprecedented move, the who have the RAMED Health order to keep functioning ministry had launched a Coverage Plan card, online maintenance during the shutdown the website allowing people to registration is available. The coronavirus pandemic has make doctors' appointments g o v e r n m e n t a n n o u n c e d The Algerian government has warned that caused. Prior to COVID-19, in public hospitals, get health 200,000 people on April 6 and scheduled maintenance to the South East t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a d advice, and manage waiting 600,000 on April 9 had already Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 instructed the Agency for time. The ministry is also retrieved their allowances. The (SEA-ME-WE4) submarine cable will Digital Development to communicating with the government opened up a new affect internet services in the country, create a 25-year digital public daily through its social registration on April 10 Earlier reports reveals that the National strategy called “Morocco media accounts on Twitter including non card-holders with operator Algeria Telecom, which manages Digital 2025.” and Facebook. additional data. the country's telecommunications The digital transformation So far, 1.3 million Moroccans infrastructure, announced the cable p l a n , w h i c h o u t l i n e d The government also has affiliated with CNSS and plans. priorities, also evaluated initiatives to alleviate the RAMED card holders have Algerian Minister of Post and Information past programs including e c o n o m i c b u r d e n o n received allowances from the and Communication Technologies Brahim “Digital Morocco 2013.” The Moroccans, especially those Solidarity Fund created under Boumzar said efforts have been made to plan was to position who have lost jobs in both the the instructions of King provide alternative access to internet Morocco as a regional digital formal and informal sector Mohammed VI to manage the subscribers. In preparation for the hub and enhance its digital and businesses in difficulty. impact of the COVID-19 maintenance, authorities used the skills and governance. The Companies affiliated with the pandemic. Morocco has been country's access to the Hannibal fibre coronavirus, however, is social security system able to mobilize more than MAD optic cable, an important telecoms s p e e d i n g u p t h e (CNSS) should declare 23 billion ($2.3 billion) for the backbone in the Mediterranean basin implementation of several of employees to be released fund. connecting Tunisia to Italy. these digital services from their jobs due to the COVID-19 may change human The country had limited options because already planned by the economic impact of the state resources trends permanently of non-availability of Algeria's other government. of emergency. They can do as many public and private submarine cables including Orval/Alval, In response to COVID-19, this on the special “Daman” or institutions were forced to which links Algiers, Oran and Valence in the government has set-up guarantee website without embrace remote working. Many Spain, and Medex which connects platforms to facilitate having to show up in person. employees are gradually Annaba, the US and Asia via the communication with citizens About 86% of beneficiaries becoming familiar with Cloud- Mediterranean basin. and businesses. Given the were already reimbursed for based tools, using startups like Algeria and Tunisia have both been importance of updated March and are scheduled to Slack and Zoom or established affected by the maintenance and information, the government get their April allowance. giants like Google and Benabdelouahad said the two countries has created e-platforms on M o r o c c o ' s E c o n o m i c Microsoft in their remote home will suffer a loss of data capacity. The part C O V I D - 1 9 f o r h e a l t h Monitoring Committee is also office. of the cable that will be affected by this work professionals and for the supporting the country's more has a capacity of approximately 700 Gigabits. Several other African countries have recorded internet disruptions. New proposals to design and manufacture Algerian leading internet service provider, Algérie Télécom Satellite (ATS) has KazSat-2R satellite expanded its relationship with Eutelsat Communications with five-year capacity Spacecraft companies from Kazakhstan ranked 21st in the provide access to obtaining contracts concluded on the new ATLANTIC leading nations such as world by the number of mobile electronic public services, BIRD 7 satellite. ATS has chosen the Russia, France, Italy, the subscribers in 2018. The h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s , superior coverage of the entire Algerian United States and Turkeyhave number of internet users was education and e-commerce. territory afforded by ATLANTIC BIRD 7, sent technical proposals 81.3 percent in 2018 and This will reduce the digital enabling it to further extend mobile ahead of the planned launch Kazakhstan ranked 45th in the divide between the city and telephony penetration and data networks of Kazakh telecom satellite world ranking. the village and provide operated by the public administration. KazSat-2R, according to the residents with the opportunity press service of the Kazakh Sources within the country to use digital technologies and The two new leases, covering a total 47 M i n i s t r y o f D i g i t a l have said that ninety-seven give an impetus to the MHz of capacity, join the five 36 MHz Development, Innovations percent of rural settlements or d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e transponders already used by ATS on and Aerospace Industry. more than 5,000 villages will economy,” Zhumagaliyev Eutelsat's ATLANTIC BIRD 3 satellite. It gain broadband internet said. The country has access further anchors satellite as a core “However, the order for the access by the end of 2022 and t o b r o a d b a n d i n t e r n e t technology for the largest country in Africa, satellite will be placed with satellite technology will be services in 117 cities and as Algeria's leading telecom operator Ghalam company, which will technically feasible for the 3,324 rural settlements. They continues to build out digital networks to develop it with a foreign remaining 3 percent, reported are provided with various rural areas and to serve demand for producer of spacecraft, M i n i s t e r o f D i g i t a l technologies, including interconnectivity from the finance and p o s s e s s i n g r e q u i r e d Development, Innovation and networks of fibre optic lines, energy sectors. engineering solutions and A e r o s p a c e I n d u s t r y 3G and 4G. In December 2013, ASAL selected China competencies. Technical and AskarZhumagaliyev at a The planned budget for Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) commercial proposals were meeting. design, development and as the prime contractor to design, develop, received from spacecraft “Internet access in rural areas ground tests of the spacecraft manufacture, assemble, test, and launch producers from Russia, is a basic element in the amounted to 39.65 bln tenge the Alcomsat-1 communication satellite. France, Italy, the US and implementation of projects as ($91.6 mln). Earlier reports The contract also covers the supply of two Turkey," the press service part of the Digital Kazakhstan s a y s t h e K a z S a t - 2 R ground control stations for use by the ASAL said. state programme. This will development work is planned to control the satellite. to commence in 2020. INDUSTRY REPORT

Inside Qatar-Based Al Jazeera Media Network

From humble beginnings in 1996 as a small terrestrial news broadcaster, the Al Jazeera Media Network is today one of the world's larger media companies. The company consolidate its longstanding relationship with Eutelsat Communications with a capacity on the EUTELSAT 7 West A satellite located at 7 degrees West for signal distribution and contribution extending coverage across North West Africa to Morocco and as far as Nigeria. Based on this report.

From Doha International Airport to Al Jazeera of the carpark and surrounding suburbia. On for most of the day, while the second headquarters were signs along the road in opposite sides of a narrow driveway sit two (almost technically identical) serves as a Arabic and English wishing drivers a safe squat, boxy buildings with white concrete backup to the first, and produces recorded journey, although safely negotiating the walls and faded blue metal roofs, Al Jazeera programs out of two smaller bespoke whites-of-your-eyes traffic requires more luck Arabic to the right and Al Jazeera English to studios elsewhere in the building. than hope. the left, practically identical except for the Constant traffic jams allow close-range extra storey of height on AJE's building. A The Al Jazeera Network, in addition to Al observation of dish dasha-clad, mobile- welcome blast of air conditioning greets Jazeera Arabic and Al Jazeera English, phone–wielding men driving Land Cruisers visitors inside the sliding glass doors of the features no fewer than 16 sports channels, complete with still-attached import stickers AJE building, where the foyer is filled out by a a children's programming channel, a and plastic-wrapped headrests. This is modest collection of trophies and awards in documentary channel, and a live events affluent Qatar, where citizens enjoy one of the glass cabinets, a token scattering of ancient channel. The Al Jazeera news brand highest levels of individual wealth in the world television equipment, a prepaid-phone continues to expand internationally with Al and cars are practically disposable. recharge kiosk, and a branch of the Al Jazeera Jazeera Balkans and Al Jazeera America Network's travel agency. now on air and plans in the pipeline for The entrance to the Al Jazeera compound Turkish, French and BritishMs. Asthma franchises. Ibrahim shared with Qatar State TV is off Television AJE's newsroom and studio occupy a single Roundabout, a massive intersection ringed by enormous open space at the heart of the Al Jazeera English employs over a a 24-hour laundry, an Indian restaurant, a hair building that is instantly recognisable to thousand people, representing 50-plus “saloon”, a bicycle shop, and an electronics anyone who has ever watched the channel. At nationalities, who work in Doha, London retailer. The entrance looks at once half- the beginning of each bulletin, a crane- and dozens of bureaus around the world. finished and rundown, with booths at either mounted camera swings cinematically from a The channel transmits via satellite to 250 side connected overhead by a rusty awning. mezzanine floor, over the heads of journalists million households dotted throughout one and producers sitting at banks of hundred countries, maintains a hugely A gaggle of armed State security officers lazily workstations, towards the presenter's desk at popular live web feed of its television check drivers' and passengers' ID in between the front of the studio which is hugged by a broadcast, and attracts more than 2.5 cups of tea, while dirty cats sleep under massive concave video wall. At the back of the million views of its YouTube content per whatever shade they can find. A second newsroom, furthest from the on-air presenter month. checkpoint at the entrance to the dedicated Al to allow for louder conversation, sits the Jazeera carpark is manned by another circular “super desk”. This raised platform, The managing director is a tall, self-assured security officer, who pokes a mirror under the overlooking the rows of producers in the and personable Briton named Al Anstey, odd car and checks boots and glove-boxes. A newsroom, seats the senior journalists who has acted in the role since late 2010. third security booth between Al Jazeera's executive producer and Heads of Output and He's worked at AJE since launch as Head of carpark and inner compound houses an X-ray Newsgathering and others who need to work News and, later, director of media machine and metal detector through which all closely with them such as satellite bookers. development. Prior to that he worked for employees and visitors must pass. ID is again ITN in the UK and US, along with APTN, flashed here unless the duty officer is one of Set around the studio over two floors are Reuters and CBS. Anstey has a clear vision the many friendly ones who are happy to wave dozens of offices, housing everyone from the of the channel he now leads. “The mission through familiar faces. managing director to logistical staff, the sports for Al Jazeera English when we started was and weather departments, graphic designers, to follow on from the start of Al Jazeera Inside the Al Jazeera compound, neatly edit suites and special program teams. Two Arabic ten years previously,” he says. “Al tended lawns ringed by palm trees are a studio control rooms sit off to one side of the Jazeera English was set up with a similar surprising and pleasant antidote to the studio one is on air with rolling news bulletins mandate [to Al Jazeera Arabic] but to apply washed out, rundown and dusty environment INDUSTRY REPORT

landscape, providing millions of households with access to a wide range of local and international channels. In Africa, Eutelsat's 16° East position is the leading position for free-to-air broadcasting in Cameroon and Ivory Coast and that Eutelsat's three positions, 36° East, 7° East and 16° East, serve the largest combined audience in the Nigerian market.

The second largest operator is Intelsat with 11 satellites capable of transmitting to the Middle East. Eutelsat and Intelsat's ability to sell capacity on their satellites has led to an increase in the number of satellite operators in the region. There are over 15 commercial- satellite fleet operators in the Middle East; and although Eutelsat and Intelsat own the majority of the satellites, it is one of the most diverse regions in the world for satellite communications services.

Al Jazeera consolidate its longstanding that on a global stage. the region and further abroad. While relationship with Eutelsat Communications terrestrial TV signals roughly align with with a new contract for capacity on the Al Jazeera, in the beginning national borders, satellite transmission EUTELSAT 7 West A satellite (ex. ATLANTIC allowed for the first time channels to build BIRD 7) located at 7 degrees West. Al transnational audiences and bypass Jazeera has chosen the new service area on From humble beginnings in 1996 as a small local state control. Saudi Arabia soon felt EUTELSAT 7 West A that enables the media terrestrial news broadcaster, the Al Jazeera its dominance of the regional news media corporation to extend coverage across North Media Network is today one of the world's under threat, as Al Jazeera broke its West Africa to Morocco and as far as Nigeria. larger media companies. In addition to “virtual lock” on international Arab media. Broadcasts have already begun, with nine news, sport and children's television Television is still very much Al Jazeera's channels operational, including the flagship channels broadcast via satellite and cable primary focus, but its online arm is Al Jazeera news channels in Arabic and across the world, Al Jazeera also comprises increasingly central to the channel's English, as well as documentary, children's educational and cultural non-broadcast operation. While only one TV signal is and sports channels. In service since arms, such as media training centres and beamed across the world to all viewers October 2011, the EUTELSAT 7 West A film festivals. Initially set up by the Qatari no matter where they are, Al Jazeera's satellite has strengthened Eutelsat's government as a public entity, in 2011 Al online arm targets specific content at commercial response to broadcasters Jazeera was reclassified under Qatari law different users based on a whole range of operating across the Middle East and North as a “private organisation devoted to public factors such as geographical location, Africa. interest”, a move intended to pave the way social media preferences and the like. Its for private investment and further online stream is popular across the world, The satellite's widebeam delivers expansion.. but especially in the US. unmatched performance and coverage into over 30 million homes, while the new North- In 2001, AJA became the most popular Digital technology also allowed network West Africa footprint opens the opportunity source of news amongst diaspora Arabs, planners to get a sense about the interest for channels to further consolidate their with 93% of Arab households having in the channel. A large contingent of reach. watched the channel. Viewers interviewed online journalists works alongside the watched the channel because of its main newsroom to augment the Another key satellite distribution company is technical quality, the range of programs on television output and create unique the Arab Satellite Communications offer, and its coverage of issues important to digital-only material. As a result, many Al Organization (Arabsat). The company them such as democracy, human rights, Jazeera's consumers never or rarely tune announced the launch of a new dedicated freedom of expression and the Palestinian into the channel's main TV signal. Three sports news channel, Al Jazeera Sports issue. years after launch, 60% of Al Jazeera's News, for the Middle East audience that Internet traffic was from North America, coincides with the 15th anniversary of Al Satellite distribution was a game changer giving Al Jazeera administrators potential Jazeera. The new sports news channel for all media in the MENA region. Not only leverage with distributors concerned with broadcast hourly news bulletins and 20 did it allow the gradual entry of non-Arab market demand. sports news programs discussing various and/or non-approved television channels types of sports on Arabsat, covering all the into Arab homes, it also facilitated a major international tournaments and sports revolution in Arab media itself. This Satellite distribution events, especially those exclusive to Al occurred despite the fact that the two largest In the Middle East and North Africa, Jazeera Sports, such as the Spanish, the satellite companies serving the region are Eutelsat is the biggest and has 24 Italian, and the French and the European owned by Saudi Arabia and Egypt satellites serving the region. Eutelsat football leagues. respectively, who are also linked with much alone is able to provide half of the region's of the content distributed on those bandwidth or capacity to broadcast via platforms. satellite.Eutelsat's Chief Executive has stated, “We are the Hot Bird of the Arab According to report, Al Jazeera wasted no Countries.” time in taking advantage of satellite broadcasting to build an audience across Eutelsat have established a strong presence in the regional audiovisual IN THE NEWS

Thuraya to support COVID-19 Egypt launches 'Start Your Dream' online humanitarian initiative response plans Egyptian Minister of Culture training has been adopted to initiative is an electronic I n a s A b d e l D a y e m contribute to achieving the version of the project of training actors in the Youth Thuraya has welcomed the launch of the announced the launch of the aspirations of talented youth, Theater and aims provide this COVID-1 9 Global Humanitarian Response digital platform for the emphasizing that work is in free service to those Plan (HRP) announced by the United Nations permanent workshop to progress to further develop interested via the internet. Secretary-General on March 25. The prepare and train actors "Start the “Culture is between your The initiative presents a company will use its expertise and apply your dream online". This Hands” initiative to attract group of lectures on the lessons learned from the 2014-2016 Ebola initiative is implemented by audiences from different various colors of performing outbreak, to help the global community the Theatrical Art House's ages and social classes arts, including acting, drama, implement the HRP and save lives during the Youth Theater Ensemble led For his part, Ismail Mukhtar, vocal performance and COVID-19 pandemic. by director Adel Hassan, and head of the Theatrical Art theatrical singing and Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the comes within the framework House, explained that the narration. first UAE's satellite communications of the free e-initiative, “Stay at great success achieved by company, ramped up commercial operations Home ... Culture is between the youth theater workshop Egypt is one of the most in 2001. Through its three geo-mobile your Hands.” "Start your dream" in the last advanced countries in the satellites into orbit, the company continues two years was represented in Middle East in terms of space providing a wide range of voice and data Within the initiative, a daily set the graduation of three technologies capabilities. In solutions via satellites. Since its inception, the of 15-minute video lectures batches that enriched the 2008, Thales was awarded a company has been singing numerous Service focusing on various theatrical theatrical scene with a large contract by Nilesat, the Providers agreements with more than 40 topics are scheduled to be number of distinguished Egyptian satellite company, countries across the world. broadcast on the YouTube talents f o r t h e N i l e s a t - 2 0 1 The Global HRP is a co-ordinated US$2 billion channel of the Ministry of "This motived us to launch broadcasting communication humanitarian response to fight COVID-19 in Culture, and its various social t h e w o r k s h o p o n t h e satellite and its associated 51 of the world's poorest countries across, media platforms YouTube channel and the services and ground stations. Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South other official platforms of the Since 2010, Nilesat-201 has America. Providing ubiquitous cover age in Abdel Dayem stated that the Theater Art House and the provided digital Direct-to- more than 160 countries, Thuraya will enable "Start your dream” initiative is Youth Theater," Mukhtar Home (DTH) television, radio always-on voice and internet connections for one of the ambitious projects explained broadcasting and high-speed COVID-19 relief missions, especially in implemented by the Ministry Mukhtar added that work is data services to users in regions where telecommunications of Culture to discover and currently underway to launch North Africa and the Middle infrastructure is likely to be weak or foster promising and talented the project during the East, including the Gulf unavailable. people u p c o m i n g w e e k a f t e r region. Thales earlier The company had a similar arrangement with .The minister also noted that completing filming the provided payloads for ETC during the 2014-16 Ebola outbreak, in line with the exceptional lectures Nilesat's first two satellites when it supplied voice and broadband links for circumstance that the country .It is worth noting that the Nilesat-101 and Nilesat-102. the World Health Organization, U S Centers is going through, remote “Start your dream online” for Disease Control a nd Prevention, NetHope and other NGOs in the severely affected areas of Sierra Leone. Wireless connection ns were essential for health workers and relief CSS aims to improve satellite broadband agencies in different loc ations to stay connected and share instant updates, in Mauritania including emerging hotspots and rates of African satellite services broadband is more critical the decade, very high-speed death and recovery. However, cellular net provider CSS is partnering than ever. With over 3 billion broadband, in order to works could not handle the surge of user Swedish firm Forsway and people lacking reliable achieve the EU target traffic. Only widespread use of satellite Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat internet access, Forsway is (30Mbps for all Europeans) communications kept vital information to improve broadband working hard to do our part in for 2020, and ensure that, flowing. connectivity in Mauritania. m a k i n g c o n n e c t i v i t y together with fibre, all The different satellite communications CSS will utilise Arabsat's accessible to all.’ European citizens will benefit services like call transfers, data and video Xtend Africa managed from the most advanced images, tracking and locating vehicles, service and Forsway's Satellite broadband like the digital services. tankers and naval vessels are among the satellite broadband extension Eutelsat KA-SAT can provide most demanded services not only in the UAE to provide affordable satellite a reliable and powerful T h e r e a r e i n h e r e n t but also in the whole region. Realizing this internet services to support broadband connection at the advantages of satellite fact, SmartSat, an alliance of Jordanian and business, education and same cost regardless of its delivered broadband services Kuwaiti companies, was launched in Dubai as health applications. CSS says location, with speeds of over similar delivery systems. the MENA's first company specialized in the the co-operation will help to 20Mbps download and They include the ease and satellite industry in 2009.Thuraya's superior boost poorly performing 6Mbps upload. This provides speed of deployment of each network enables clear communications and mobile and VSAT links. an answer to most current end user site; the scalability uninterrupted coverage across two thirds of needs and to create a by which satellite circuits the globe by satellite and across the whole The contribution of satellite favourable framework for b y p a s s t r a d i t i o n a l planet through its unique GSM roaming communications to the digital developing new ways of congestions in multiple levels capabilities. The company's diverse range of economy and in particular to teaching, even more in the of exchanges and; the technologically superior and highly reliable bridging the digital divide is case of joint satellite insensitivity of service mobile satellite handsets and broadband drawing growing attention broadband and broadcast pitching to distance. These devices provide ease of use, value, quality from decision makers. solutions. In parallel, the feature allow for the provision and efficiency. Thuraya remains committed to Tobias Forsell, CEO of industry is working on next of broadband services to any serving humanity through delivering the Forsway, commented: 'With g e n e r a t i o n o f H i g h - where within the service essential tools for optimal connectivity, never people restricted in their Throughput Satellites that footprint, especially remote leaving anyone out of reach. m o b i l i t y , a f f o r d a b l e will deliver, before the end of areas.

7 IN THE NEWS

Eutelsat selected by Digital entertainment “upswing” amid 'stay RCS Ghana for DTH at home' advisory over COVID-19 broadcast Intigral, the leading provider viewers rose by 42 percent t o o f f e r s u b s c r i b e r s of digital entertainment and over the said period. exclusive entertainment Eutelsat Communications has secured a multi- sports in MENA, has Commenting on this experience for all family year contract with RCS Ghana to provide witnessed an upswing in r e m a r k a b l e g r o w t h , members. Jawwy TV offers capacity for the broadcast of its DTH bouquet the viewership of Jawwy Intigral's CEO Hamoud subscribers a wide selection bringing content to viewers in Ghana and TV, its flagship service and A l R u m a y a n s a i d : of entertainment content beyond. RCS will use Ku-Band band capacity OTT digital entertainment “Globally, TV channels encompassing over 20,000 on EUTELSAT 7B to broadcast its fast growing platform, in line with the and VOD platforms have video titles catering to free-to-air DTH bouquet comprising SD and HD 'Stay at Home' advisory posted record growth viewers of different age channels to the Ghanaian market and over 40 initiated by the Kingdom's levels in screen time g r o u p s , t a s t e s , a n d other countries in Africa. government to curb the following the solemn calls preferences. The 7° East neighbourhood is a key orbital spread of the coronavirus o f g o v e r n m e n t s f o r position for regional TV channels. Over 500 TV (COVID-19). residents to restrict all It also boasts special channels already broadcast from 7° East which nonessential outings.” features, including the has become a new DTH hotspot for Sub- Jawwy TV recorded a “Meanwhile, Jawwy TV option to watch missed Saharan Africa with some of the fastest growth significant rise in weekly remains committed to its e p i s o d e s a f t e r t h e i r rates in the region. c o n s u m p t i o n a n d broadcast, and the ability to The rapid rollout of HD services in recent years duty to the community has contributed to the increase in satellite viewership rates. From through providing iEN view content on multiple f e e d s , b u t t h i s r o l l o u t h a s b e e n March 22 onwards, Jawwy channels on Jawwy TV to devices simultaneously. counterbalanced by the end of SD and HD TV app saw a 47 percent support students' remote S u b s c r i b e r s o f S T C , simulcasts in certain cases. The increasing spike in average weekly learning experience,” Mofawtar 4 and 5 will be able usage of terrestrial infrastructure (fiber) on consumption hours as AlRumayan added. As a to watch popular shows and permanent video routes in the most advanced compared to similar period key player in the region's a v a r i e t y o f o t h e r markets also limits the growth of satellite usage. preceding that. In parallel, digital entertainment entertainment programs for Mr Hamza Tanko, Chairman and CEO of RCS the number of unique industry, Intigral continues free on Jawwy TV app. Ghana: “We are delighted to partner with Eutelsat for the broadcast of the RCS DTH bouquet, delivering exceptional content to Vodacom and Safaricom complete acquisition viewers in Ghana and beyond, and enabling the broadcast of any channel in Ghana in high of M-PESA brand quality and at compelling rates. The 7° East position is ideal to serve the Ghanaian market The acquisition of M-PESA and EUTELSAT 7B offers consistent coverage and Egypt. development, synchronise brand by Vodacom and About 25% of all M-PESA more closely our product and signal power all over Ghana as well as Safaricom, which was first complete Sub-Saharan coverage of over 40 customers have access to a roadmaps, and improve our announced in 2019, was smartphone – a figure that is operational capabilities into a African countries.” intended to accelerate M- The coverage of live events is a continuous growing by 10% annually. single, fully converged PESA's growth in Africa by Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Centre of Excellence.” requirement, which continues to increase with g i v i n g Vo d a c o m a n d the multiplication of news and sports channels, Group CEO, said: “This is a Safaricom full control of the significant milestone for N i c k R e a d , Vo d a f o n e as well as the increasing popularity of local M-PESA brand and business. content, among TV households worldwide. V o d a c o m a s i t w i l l Group's CEO, said, “With the They plan to expand M-PESA accelerate our financial rapid increase in smartphone Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is into new African markets. one of the world's leading satellite operators. services aspirations in penetration, the evolution With a global fleet of satellites and associated Africa. Our joint venture will into financial services and the Vodacom Group Limited a l l o w Vo d a c o m a n d potential for geographical ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients (Vodacom) is an African across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Safaricom to drive the next expansion, we believe the mobile communications generation of the M-PESA next step in M-PESA's Mobile Broadband markets to communicate company providing voice, effectively to their customers, irrespective of platform – an intelligent, African growth will be more m e s s a g i n g , d a t a a n d cloud-based platform for the effectively overseen by their location. Over 6,800 television channels converged services to over operated by leading media groups are smartphone age. It will also Vodacom and Safaricom.” 57.5 million customers. From help us to promote greater The disposal of the M-PESA broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers its roots in South Africa, equipped for DTH reception or connected to financial inclusion and help brand, support and product Vodacom has grown its bridge the digital divide development services to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, o p e r a t i o n s t o i n c l u d e with offices and teleports around the globe, within the communities in Vodacom and Safaricom is networks in Tanzania, the which we operate.” “broadly financially neutral” Eutelsat assembles 1,000 men and women Democratic Republic of from 44 countries who are dedicated to for Vodafone Group. Congo, Mozambique, and Michael Joseph, outgoing Over the years, Vodacom delivering the highest quality of service. Lesotho and provides carrier Nicolas Baravalle, Regional Vice President, Safaricom CEO said: “For Group Limited (Vodacom) and business services to Safaricom, we're excited has built strong relationships Sub Saharan Africa of Eutelsat said: “We are customers in over 40 African proud to support RCS Ghana in rolling out this that the management, in the sectors that are driving countries. support and development of the continent's economic high quality content offering. This contract M-PESA is already the reflects the buoyancy of the Ghanaian the M-PESA platform has growth; from banking and largest payments platform on now been relocated to finance, oil and gas, mining broadcast market, the attraction of the the African continent with 40 unparalleled coverage of our 7° East Kenya, where the journey to and construction, right million users. It processes transform the world of through to retail and neighbourhood and Eutelsat's expertise in the over a billion transactions African market. We look forward to a long and mobile payments began 13 distribution, as well as every month and operates in years ago. tourism; we help these fruitful collaboration” Kenya, Tanzania, Lesotho, Eutelsat's satellites form part of the broadcast “This new partnership with businesses stay connected Democratic Republic of Vodacom will allow us to across Nigeria and with the infrastructure mobilised to enable millions of Congo, Ghana, Mozambique viewers to benefit from a wide-range of content, consolidate our platform rest of the world.

8 IN THE NEWS SatADSL, YahClick Africa embraces remote learning partner to enhance Some encouraging news in students are also part of students with their remote satellite this difficult time comes from Egypt's remote learning learning, and, in South communications in the World Bank, highlighting initiatives.In Kenya the Africa, leading operator how distance learning is ministry of education has Telkom has zero-rated Africa being rolled out in a number designed online learning education websites to of African countries during p r o g r a m m e s a n d provide cost-free access to Brussels-based satellite service provider, the coronavirus pandemic resources. Materials and learners. Finally, at least SatADSL has partnered with YahClick to and associated lockdowns. programmes will also be for now, the Tunisia-based enhance its connectivity offering across Sub- delivered using radio, Arab League Educational, Saharan Africa. Through the partnership Highlights include steps to television, YouTube and Cultural and Scientific SatADSL is now a new Virtual Network implement distance learning o t h e r p l a t f o r m s . Organization (ALECSO) Operator (VNO) partner to YahClick, a UAE- and assessment in Egypt via M e a n w h i l e , O r a n g e has launched an e- based broadband satellite services provider access to the Egyptian Liberia has announced learning initiative. owned by Yahsat and its partner Hughes Knowledge Bank, providing that it is granting free Network Systems. content by grade level and a c c e s s t o o n l i n e The World Bank says it is As a result, SatADSL is able to combine the subject. There's also a digital educMeasat-3bational content to actively working with capacity purchased from YahClick with its cloud-based service delivery platform (C-SDP) platform that offers a students and teachers ministries of education in to deliver a full range of flexible satellite communication channel while all schools and dozens of countries to services across Africa. “Working closely with between students and universities are closed via support their efforts to SatADSL enhances the quality of our service t e a c h e r s t o e n a b l e a website called Orange u t i l i z e e d u c a t i o n a l delivery as we continue on our mission to approximately 22 million Campus Africa. technologies of all sorts to unleash human potential through satellite students distributed over provide remote learning broadband connectivity,” said Farhad Khan, nearly 55,000 schools to In Libya local television opportunities for students, chief executive officer at YahClick. communicate with teachers. s t a t i o n s w i l l b e and is in active dialogue “The agreement will provide our customers broadcasting lessons for with dozens more. It is also with the best broadband solutions available, A contract with the online middle and secondary cataloguing emerging connecting them with the rest of the world learning provider Edmodo schoolchildren, while approaches, by country, in through a fast and affordable service. In this and free SIM cards to Morocco has put together an internal database... uncertain period of enforced social distancing content in order to help and self-isolation, we are delighted to help bring people together, supporting them to u work, learn, and stay informed remotely.” In South Africa, the Al Yah Satellite Liquid telecom launch emergency response Communication Company (Yahsat), the Abu Dhabi-based satellite operator, via its to pandemic in Zimbabwe YahClick, the satellite broadband service provided by Yahsat, has dragged the most analogue of institutions into the digital age. Pan African telco, Liquid provided by qualified we support one another Satellite broadband has been a game- Telecom, has announced a experts at the end of the during this crisis, the better,” changer, with more children having access to a p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e national toll-free '2023' added Makamure. wider range of resources and, in some cases, government of Zimbabwe, helpline is vital as the distance learning where a tutor remotely takes which will help the Southern Government continues to Liquid Telecom is a leading a class from another facility. African nation provide a provide support, especially communications solutions Today Yahsat's YahClick has coverage across dedicated national toll-free to the most vulnerable in provider across 13 countries 28 countries in Africa, central and south-west '2023' helpline and call centre to light of the pandemic.” Said – primarily in Eastern, Asia and the MiddleEast. The service uses Ka support citizens during the Wellington Makamure, Central and Southern Africa Band satellite technology – the latest in a line COVID-19 pandemic. CEO, Liquid Telecom – that serves mobile that still includes Ku Band and C Band – which The helpline will provide Southern Africa. o p e r a t o r s , c a r r i e r s , has allowed such a rapid spread of coverage information and consultative enterprise, media and across these countries. services 24 hours a day, seven Liquid Telecom Zimbabwe content companies and retail For YahClick's part, it gains full access to the d a y s a w e e k , w h i l e established the national toll- customers with high-speed, SatADSL's licensed partner network spanning safeguarding citizens against a free '2023' helpline and call reliable connectivity, hosting 45 countries worldwide and boasting over backdrop of escalating fake centre in partnership with and co-location and digital 3,500 deployments, which gives YahClick news and misinformation in the Innscor Africa and Kamba services. opportunities to expand its distribution. “I am region. Te c h n o l o g i e s . L i q u i d It has built Africa's largest excited by the possibilities that present “Liquid Telecom has quickly T e l e c o m ' s d i r e c t independent fibre network themselves ahead. Partnering with YahClick and effectively responded to contribution includes set-up ( a p p r o a c h i n g 7 0 , 0 0 0 does more than just give us access to the the 'COVID-19 Zimbabwe costs of the telecom kilometres), and operates company's service delivery platforms – it National Preparedness and i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , w h i c h d a t a c e n t r e s i n significantly increases our ability to make a Response Plan' (NPRP) includes the provision of Johannesburg, Cape Town tangible and lasting difference in and across announced by H.E President phone lines, call centre and Nairobi, with a combined the communities from West to East Africa we Mnangagwa on the 19th March equipment and bandwidth potential 19,000 square serve as part of our global connectivity offering. calling on companies to via a 50Mbps dedicated link. metres of rack space and 80 “Our ability to offer high throughput Ka-band contribute to the national “Although times are difficult, MW of power. This is in services will significantly impact the fate of cause. Maintaining connectivity I would like to take this addition to offering cloud- some of the most underserved countries in the is an essential requirement in opportunity to wish all our based services, such as world, helping them to cross the digital divide responding to a crisis that has brothers and sisters good M i c r o s o f t O f f i c e 3 6 5 , and make the most of their considerable disrupted our routines and daily health and happiness as we Microsoft Azure, and digital potential,” said Michel Dothey, chief lives inconceivably. Reliable, m a r k 4 0 y e a r s o f content including Netflix and commercial officer at SatADSL. u p - t o - d a t e i n f o r m a t i o n , independence. The more Kwesé TV.

11 IN THE NEWS

IEC Telecom South Africa releases emergency spectrum introduces OneGate to service providers Aid Compact to South African telecoms The licencees were released country aims to auction off curtail COVID-19 regulator has released late last week by South permanent licences for the emergency spectrum to a Africa's telecoms regulatory spectrum later this year.In pandemic number of service providers, body, the Independent South Africa, the demand for a s r e q u e s t e d b y t h e Communications Authority of satellite telecommunications government. According to services has been growing at Satellite communications specialist, IEC South Africa (ICASA), to both local news reports MTN a sustained and rapid rate, Telecom introduces its latest satellite-based mobile network providers and Group, Vodacom and Telkom internet service providers. driven by demand for cellular networking management solution, OneGate have all been granted These licenses were granted backhaul, VSAT enterprise Aid Compact to improve the efficiency of first additional mobile spectrum, at no cost to the operators. networks, and direct-to-home responders in regional communities across while Liquid Telecom and However, they do come with a television. the Middle East and Africa amid the COVID- Rain Networks were also few conditions attached. Currently, in South Africa, 19 pandemic. granted additional spectrum Firstly, operators are obliged Telkom South Africa and The United Nations COVID-19 Global for their fixed wireless access to facilitate access to remote Sentech are the major VSAT Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) services. learning initiatives and virtual providers. Telkom provides recognizes the importance of communication The temporary licences grant classrooms. In addition they coverage to those areas falling and new technologies to fight the pandemic. e m e r g e n c y a c c e s s t o must not charge their outside its ADSL footprint. This IEC Telecom Group shares these same additional spectrum to ease subscribers for access to i s b e i n g s o l d u n d e r values and is confident that the new solution congestion for the duration of health-related websites SpaceStream brand-name will contribute to COVID-19 resistance by the nationwide lockdown that specifically identified by the products. Both products empowering critical missions with an efficient is now in force to limit the country's Department of provide always-available communication tool. spread of the coronavirus. A Health. access to the Internet and e- surge in connectivity has been And, of course, as has been mail services, with no call OneGate Aid Compact is an agile and future- the result of many South stated more than once, this is charges. The C-band has the ready network management solution that Africans working from home a stopgap measure. The advantage of being more operates from a virtual platform and is or simply using the internet additional spectrum will be stable offering extensive designed to keep mobile humanitarian teams more often while unable to go only be available to operators coverage and reliability in connected at all times, enabling full control out. on a temporary basis. The Africa. and visibility over active telecommunication links. Urban areas utilize GSM networks, while Public trials of SpaceX satellite internet remote missions are heavily reliant on satellite communication. Moreover, service to begin within 6 months mandatory social distancing prevents from staff reinforcement or rotation and as a result, If all goes according to plan, milliseconds, on par with terminal you can easily place field workers are heavily dependent on the public will have a chance ground-based broadband in your home. satellite networks to receive remote to try out SpaceX's satellite services. counselling and training. With an increase in internet service in six months. S p a c e X d e s i g n s , data usage, it is not enough to simply have CEO Elon Musk mentioned Although satellite internet is manufactures, and launches access to the satellite network, but be in a the timetable in a tweet. nothing new, SpaceX's the world's most advanced position to manage available resources and “Private beta begins in ~3 network is designed to rockets and spacecraft. The channel essential communications on months, public beta in ~6 achieve faster speeds by company was founded in mission-critical operations. months, starting with high using low Earth orbit (LEO) 2002 by Elon Musk to latitudes,” he said. In another satellites. The plan is to have r e v o l u t i o n i z e s p a c e Nabil Ben Soussia, Managing Director IEC tweet, Musk said the German them fly around the planet transportation, with the Telecom Middle East, IEC Telcom Group market qualifies as high from a distance of 200 miles to ultimate goal of enabling commented, “Successful operations during altitude. 700 miles above the surface people to live on other the COVID-19 pandemic are dependent on while they ferry data between planets. timely and proper communication in affected As the world's fastest-growing ground stations and internet communities. This is especially critical to first provider of launch services, users below. Today, SpaceX is advancing response groups or mobile hospitals who and currently global internet the boundaries of space need to act fast in areas with no services SpaceX has more To get the service up and technology through its infrastructure. Now more than ever, than 50 launches on its running, the company has Falcon launch vehicles and telecommunications in general and satellite manifest, representing more been securing approval from Dragon spacecraft. SpaceX communications, in particular, are critical to than US$7 billion in contracts. regulators to launch as many is the only private company support our frontline workers. OneGate Aid These include commercial as 40,000 satellites in the ever to return a spacecraft Compact was developed as a solution to satellite launches as well as c o m i n g y e a r s . O n from low-Earth orbit, which it support continuous communication. It missions for NASA and the Wednesday, the company f i r s t a c c o m p l i s h e d i n provides satellite link in remote areas and United States Air Force. s u c c e s s f u l l y d e p l o y e d December 2010. serves as GSM back-up under terrestrial another 60 Starlink satellites network coverage.” D u b b e d S t a r l i n k , t h e into space for a total of 420 The company made history IEC Telecom's OneGate Aid Compact is upcoming service is promising currently in operation. again in May 2012 when its powered by Thuraya IP+ for stationed use to bring fast and affordable Dragon spacecraft attached and Thuraya Voyager for vehicular use over internet to any location in the According to its website, to the International Space Thuraya's L-Band network. It enables first world. It'll be particularly SpaceX's goal is to launch the Station (ISS), exchanged response teams with optimized network appealing for people who live broadband service for the US c a r g o p a y l o a d s , a n d traffic availing services such as big data i n r e m o t e a r e a s o r and Canada later this year. returned safely to Earth—a transfer and live conferencing. In times of underserved markets with few Starlink is then scheduled to technically challenging feat COVID it means that front line staff will be options for home broadband. go global in 2021. Cost has previously accomplished able to share operational reports in real time Expect download speeds of not been announced, but the only by governments. and have access to telemedicine. up to 1Gbps with a latency company plans on supplying ranging between 25 to 35 customers with a Starlink

12 IN THE NEWS

Russia's Tricolor ITU launches 'gold standard' for collaboration launches coronavirus among regulators and policy-makers lockdown educational service I n f o r m a t i o n a n d General. “Indeed, digital G o a l s h a s p r o v e d communication technology technologies and services are challenging. Russian pay TV operator Tricolor has teamed (ICT) is becoming more transforming lives across The concept of 'regulation up with the country's ministry of education to prevalent, embedded in many society - from agriculture to g e n e r a t i o n s ' h e l p s launch a new educational service to provide sectors and systems beyond smart water management stakeholders analyse the distance learning help during the coronavirus the ICT sector itself. In systems. ITU stands ready to maturity of modern regulatory crisis. response, the International support regulators and policy- frameworks – from the The My School Online service is available Telecommunication Union makers around the world. The command and control of first nationwide and is free-to-view via the Tricolor (ITU) has launched the 2020 'G5 Benchmark' serves as a generation (G1) regulation, to set-top box, even for customers with an Global ICT Regulatory compass for regulators on a c o l l a b o r a t i v e a n d inactive subscription, according to the Outlook which includes the their journey towards digital harmonized approach in fifth operator. The service is also available on B e n c h m a r k o f F i f t h transformation for all.“ generation (G5) regulation. Tricolor's OTT app. The channel provides 30- Generation Collaborative minute classes based on the school Regulation, a new tool for The Benchmark of Fifth The Global ICT Regulatory curriculum. Most of the material is devoted to policy-makers and regulators Generation Collaborative Outlook 2020 is as a rich, two compulsory subjects, Russian and t o l e v e r a g e d i g i t a l Regulation, also referred to as powerful and practical tool to mathematics, with other material available transformation for all through the 'G5 Benchmark', helps all of us seeking to build a on-demand. stronger collaboration across fast-track collaboration w o r l d o f m e a n i n g f u l sectors. among regulators and policy- c o n n e c t i v i t y t h r o u g h The channel's schedule mirrors the school Regulatory frameworks in makers from the information regulation that is open, cross- day, with eight lessons per day, time-shifted Africa have evolved the most a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n sector, and above all, for Russia's multiple time zones. Tricolor said over the past ten years; as of technology (ICT) sector and collaborative," said Doreen the service would be broadcast until the end 2018, only two African nations other sectors to drive digital Bogdan-Martin, Director of of the school year. remain in the G1 category. transformation for all. the ITU Telecommunication TricolorTV, one of Russia's fastest growing Africa's score has kept pace Development Bureau." It lays pay-TV platform, with 12 million subscribers, with the rise in world As the ICT landscape is out clearly the trends, the provided live coverage using the High averages, and has exceeded complex and fast moving, the c h a l l e n g e s a n d t h e Throughput Ka-band capacity on the averages of the Arab States, 'G5 Benchmark' offers metrics opportunities before the EUTELSAT 36C satellite offering consumer Asia-Pacific and CIS.? to assess gaps, proposes regulatory community in 2020 and professional subscribers Internet access “Collaboration across sectors smart roadmaps through and continues to set out the with speeds of up to 40 Mbps downstream p r o v e s i n c r e a s i n g l y s h i f t i n g r e g u l a t o r y decades-long ICT regulation and 12 Mbps upstream, with a range of tariffs s u c c e s s f u l i n p i l o t i n g landscapes, tracks progress story as our industry develops tailored to end-user requirements. regulators and policy-makers and proposes solutions where and responds to major world towards broad and inclusive concrete progress towards crises like the 2008 financial “We believe that it is very important to help digital transformation," said the Sustainable Development crash and COVID-19."? students master the material of the general Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary- education programme that they need to pass their final exams. For this, we have enlisted television resources and launched Nigeria to construct 6 ICT Parks around the educational broadcasting with enormous coverage, maximizing the access to lessons country from the country's leading teachers,” said Nigeria isset to construct 6 zones. Those for the North- Commercial Hub for ICT Russian minister of education Sergey ICT Parks through the States Central and the South- capacity building and digital Kravtsov. C o m m u n i c a t i o n s South geo-political zones skills, create employment “Pupils and teachers today are in a difficult Commission (NCC) in the he said they are underway. a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l situation: we all know what difficulties they country's six geo-political R e g a r d i n g t h e activities and facilitate have to face using distance learning, and final zones in a bid promote commissioning of Nigeria's smart city deployment exams have not been cancelled. In close s o c i o - e c o n o m i c construction of ICT Parks, across the Digital Industrial cooperation with the ministry, we have transformation of the West Mr. Danbatta stated that complex. prepared broadcasting resources, which will African country. The Project that would take place at T h e p r o j e c t i s a l s o make the educational process as convenient basically encompasses the different times, hopefully designed to support federal and stimulating as possible in the construction and equipping government's ICT–related presentation of materials and the knowledge beginning from the end of of fully-functional Tier-4 policies by facilitating the gained. Tricolor has the largest subscriber this year. He also insisted base of satellite customers in Russia, so Digital Industrial Complex that based on the projects a v a i l a b i l i t y a n d several tens of millions of viewers will see the (DIC) in each of geo-political national spread structure, accessibility of ICT services channel's broadcasts, including residents of zones across the country. no part of the country will be across the country and remote regions of Russia, where there is no left out as beneficiaries of promoting their usage digital-terrestrial or cable television, and the The executive vice chairman the initiative. across all sectors. availability of high-speed internet is very (EVC) of NCC, Mr. Umar Nigeria's construction of Furthermore it is aimed at limited,” said Roman Makhaev, sales and Danbatta said that the ICT parks is meant to building capacity for the customer service director, Tricolor. construction of four of the provide innovation labs and Nigerian teaming youths in ICT parks has already begun d i g i t a l f a b r i c a t i o n the area of skill acquisition Since its establishment, Tricolor has been in Abeokuta for the South- laboratories (Fablabs) for and innovation to join delivering excellent quality high-speed West, Enugu for the South- use by ICT innovators and existing initiatives towards broadband service to our subscribers, East, Maiduguri for the entrepreneurs to turn their a c c e l e r a t i n g s o c i o - particularly the many that are not well served North-East and Kano for the ideas into products and economic transformation of by terrestrial infrastructure. North-West geo-political prototypes, provide a Nigeria.

18 SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Picture source ADB

Picture source: ITU

Courtesy- SpaceX

Air Vice Marshall Tommy Udoh INTERVIEW with Dr. Abiodun Olusesi The State of telemedicine and ehealth in Nigeria

Q. Briefly discuss the evolution concept for the Intel telemedicine. The structured to coincide with the visit to the of Telemedicine in the Nigeria telemedicine of Intel is satellite based and the country of the then Intel Chairman, Ted transmission of data is based on WiMAX Barret, after it was launched, we are able to with reference to the National technology which the Intel invented and they connect with the Federal Medical Center, Hospital, Abuja were trying to market. Bida, live and conducted diagnosis, everybody was enthusiastic and people were beginning to feel the impact. Telemedicine has been around as long as For the purpose of the proof of concept, means of communications were invented by National Hospital here was linked with During the demonstration, everybody was science. People have actually been using the another tertiary health care centre located in talking to the next person just like one-on- telephone calling their physicians to find out a remote area of Bida called the Federal one. And eventually the reality dawn on us what they need to do about their health – as a Medical Centre. So, National Hospital is immediately after the launch that, we need to form of low level kind of telemedicine, then supposed to be the referral hospital and the sustain it, Intel volunteer to sustain it for the with the videophones. These days, people federal medical center, Bida is supposed to first few months and for the sustenance, the could actually take very good pictures and be satellite hospital requesting specialist Federal Medical Center has a coordinator, a send it to their clinicians. With the emergence assistance. For the actualization of this, the telemedicine coordinator, who is supposed of internet, the internet gateways have been Intel brought in a couple of telemedicine to call me anytime they have a case, and around and also the personal computers equipment, the WiMAX radio, antenna, the they didn't have a specialist on that area. So have been around for 30 years. Computers telemedicine receiver, the monitor, the URF when they call me, I will go to the became a tool for archiving information camera and the X-point which is where most telemedicine room where the equipment especially health care information and send it of the integration is done. They also brought were kept to switch on, he too will switch on, back and forth from the health care giver to in some diagnostic equipment, the dermal and we call the suburban guys who connect the health care receiver. camera, digital sphyngoscope, digital the radio link, and they connect us, we are Now, for us in the hospital here, the very first ontoscope; these are normal equipment for seeing each other and they say case is attempt at telemedicine was by Intel diagnosis, but they are coupled with some settle, seated and talking to the specialists Corporation which was based in the US. Intel gadgets and plug in so that information goes and it was very nice. came in 2006 and they approached our through data transmitting process. The only snag was the cost of the data, Intel hospital, did a proof of concept and two was able to foot the bill for the first few weeks hospitals were selected for the proof of Intel's telemedicine proof of concept was

19 SPECIAL INTERVIEW

of operations and they started drumming in somebody putting up the programme be seen. on us that they need to move it from concept together. The bottom line is that the proof to a programme, from the project to a of concept was also done in the six geo- Has there been other programme. So they are talking about political zones of the country, data were working out the cost implication. Now, the collected and presented at the UCH Intervention as well? telemedicine is okay. If it is part of Federal February last year and it was there we Government programme. learnt that the Federal Ministry of Health Apart from this, there was also another acted in concert with National Space 'demo'. This hospital alone has witnessed The people we are actually assisting with Research and Development Agency, about 4 'demos'. There was a demo by this project, most of them are very poor NASRDA. Suburban, a telecommunications company people, who otherwise could not afford to based Abuja also in 2009. Suburban came jump on the road and start coming down to They provided the connectivity through with another more compact, they were the National Hospital almost 300 – 400 the defunct Nigerian Communications involved in intel telemedicine. They have kilometers. So they are rather attended to in Satellite, NigComSat, before it went provided the backbone for the data, WiMax their communities, have the access to the missing and was subsequently de- and other. Now they came on their own with specialists and go back home. Federal orbited. That effort rolled over to National another package. They informed us that they Medical Center Bida cannot pay anything Space Research and Development were laying fiber cable and have completed and National hospital specialists are just Agency, NASRDA now taking more effort the laying of fiber from Abuja to Lagos. So in like volunteer workers, doing their normal to whip Federal Ministry of Health into the order to celebrate the laying of the work they are employed to do, in addition line to take telemedicine serious and infrastructure, they decided to come and they were contributing to the telemedicine Federal Ministry of Health lack luster like donate a telemedicine unit which is supposed project. There wasn't any stipend for them. began with how do we collaborate. to connect us with the National Sickle Cell These are the challenging issues that Center in Lagos. makes telemedicine elsewhere in Africa a Q Besides the efforts of the problem because there has been a little bit The center is directly in front of LUTH of of effort here. government what are other course. They came with so much fanfare, and private initiatives to deliver we had a big ceremony and of course a live telemedicine services in like with National Sickle Cell Centre, people Q Why has the initiatives of here, people there talk, we conference with the Federal Ministry Of Nigeria? people there. We interacted with them there, Science And Technology so you know but they are a private company and far has not delivered the much Apart from that there has also been a they are in need to sell their technology and I couple of other initiatives. Like Cisco was believed that they discovered having donated needed telemedicine in in the country around 2008, they came in the equipment, National Hospital Abuja Nigeria?Courtesy- SpaceX with a kits that they have the technology authorities are not forthcoming in purchasing that we should talk to them; what is your services, they just called for their equipment Shortly after the Intel telemedicine launch at health care need and they design their back that they wanted to used it somewhere, the National Hospital, while the proof of robust technology that meet your need. because we never really brought it. concept was still going on, there was a So they gave a demo connecting Abuja to So if you could read between the lines you see concomitant programme initiated by the some hospitals and clinics in India. It was a sketchy attempt. After this, Suburban again, federal ministry of science and technology. okay. They gave us some take away as organized another form where they came with Well, we don't know how the initiation came, souveniours. further packages, software, hardware to drive they just started brainstorming on this idea Telemedicine and they called a couple of and the next thing they started constructing Basically, they said they have the stakeholders including myself and that was at bus, those long buses, they called it technology, but want ideas on what we Transcorp Hilton early 2010. And the same telemedicine buses, the concept of that is a need and want feedback from people idea was how do we move it from this proof of little different. that are supposed to be using technology concept to a marketable programme, so that they can build the system and because the issue that has bedeviled While on our system where you have a then we noted that the system is also web Telemedicine in this country in that of healthcare site linked by satellite, they based and issue with web based is sustainability. actually take the healthcare bus down to the connectivity. Data rate and the signal remote areas, all the telemedicine gadgets level may not be as good. Though we are able to connect with India, talk with are installed inside a bus, so they go to the Q What has been some of the remote areas and the people inside the somebody there and we use a couple of buses are Nurses and Midwives and junior gadgets also, which are digital blood teething challenges workers. And when they need to consult, pressure, digital note taker, and we are experienced by the health they now called the base station, which are able to demonstrate and we see that they facility so far? teaching hospitals, and two teaching have a robust system which we think hospitals were involved in the programme cannot function in our environment because it requires 7MEG data rate and I was privileged to attend the ICT for health and about 8 Federal Medical centers across development, policy meeting in Lagos where the six geo-graphical zones. Now, the thing no telecom provider is going to give you 7MEG. For healthcare, people come to they where charting the final platform on the about that programme, accessibility is an shape of ICT for health. Basically it was 2009. issue, because when the programme was the hospital and find it difficult to pay consultation face to face, not to talk of At that meeting, we are able to include being appraised, so many areas are not telemedicine in the ICT for development for accessible as the bus is taking down to the start talking over the satellite. So this is when we complained about the clarity of the country. And there was a specific wording rural areas, and so many other issues that in the policy that telecoms must ensure that a r e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t e r r e s t r i a l the data and the rate at which the data in moving. The guys at the ministry spoke they provide significant percentage of their communications, and eventually the bandwidths and make it available for Federal Ministry of Science and Technology about Tele-presence unit, that they actually have that it was like a Kiosk, you Telemedicine. When we are brainstorming on that initiated the programme saw the how we can make the cost affordable, like feasibility of continuing the project without just install it and anybody that need diagnosis will just go in there and on moving data from here to Bida affordable, we the Federal Ministry of Health, so they now are doing the costing and at a point, there they hand over the programmme to the Federal 7MEG you are live, it is like live video broadcast and you can be seen said there could be signal jump, from one Ministry of Health, on a platter of gold. It point to another. wasn't something they had to brainstorm or anywhere in the world where you want to

20 SPECIAL INTERVIEW

grandiose Telemedicine system that you much more robust than account There was a time when the issue of the cost are not going to get either power, either this management software, records, clinical telemedicine, for instance a link to Bida was or that to actualize. So there has been so record management software. Clinical note actually, the Intel guys were not many brainstorming. information and everything, endoscopy comfortable being that they were spending information and they all come together in so much that money and we are not thinking Q Do you also share the what is called Health Information of how it could become sustainable and opinion that there has been Management System. Unfortunately in the they feel they cannot continue in fact at a past four years, we had over 20 software point we are trouble-shooting a link up. The poor definition of the roles demos that I witnessed. guy at Bida has a patient, I link up here and and responsibilities of key both of us cannot see each other, and we actors and institutions? Different software vendors coming in to had to call Suburban Telecoms based in demonstrate their softwares and I can tell Abuja, and after 3 or 4 episodes and we you at this end of it all, we have a system discovered that it was the Intel people that Yes.The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology can provide the brainwork but that satisfy the clinician, but does not satisfy are pulling the plug of data, rationalizing the the laboratory guys and a system that data use. Telemedicine itself is purely a Federal Ministry of Health affair. There is a reason satisfy the laboratory but does not satisfy for that. The Federal Ministry of Science the pathologist, and so on and so forth. We Q Has there been instances of and Technology is saddled with other had issues here. Some people just go to 'bandwidth donation' of any issues. The Federal Ministry of Science India, pick a system and they want to come firm or institution toward this and Technology people does not have a and sell it as software. Writing software is so clue about health and that reflected in a cool. For me I wrote the software that I use venture? couple of hitches we are having during the for my own personal use, you understand! I appraisal of the project at the UCH; you have written software that my friends that The Lagos own, the suburban fiber link from know you could see the kind of some have clinics use in their clinics. here for Lagos, is point-to-point and what it issues cropping up and it cropped up means is that they can only like Lagos and because the brain behind it were not But when you are writing software for a big Abuja but all other communities that the doctors or medical workers. Like saying for multi system there are so many other cable run through cannot tap the cable. instance that you deploy expensive hands issues that crop in and that is where most of There are no junctional nodes. That means to go and diagnosing malaria on the rural the software vendors that approach the it is useless. We are talking of telemedicine areas. It is ridiculous. You don't need the hospital get sucked because they come something on a global scale, for telecast specialists for this job. with a system that is designed for a three itself should be robust, there should room or 4 room hospital and you want to sell actually be a point where people can tap For people to now come and report that at them to a big hospital like this, it is not going into it. Like in Abuja here we are talking of the end of the day we are able to diagnose to work, by the time they do the demo and networking most of the hospital around for 33 malaria patients, it sounds a little they dissected it, we say okay we will go instance, National Hospital Abuja can talk retarded, you understand. For somebody and fine tune it, but usually there are flaws. to Maitama, talk to Asokoro and so forth. that is a healthcare personnel, do you So this is issue. With respect to database, Those people can link up and when we really take these gadgets and go and be yes, we have expensive database. For have a clinical programme here are diagnosing malaria inside the villages? instance, we do coding in this hospital ICD educate them too as one. The fact is that Whereas if the brain behind the 10 is the standard coding. Health record with the benefit of technology, we can do programme were actually healthcare has standard database for the health that one, within the big cities and within personnel; they know exactly where Tele- record. For diagnosis, for everyday data Lagos and Abuja. health, Telemedicine is going to key in with entry, we still use the paper, difficult for you respect to diagnosis and treatment. The Ito get database on that. But telemedicine, for it to make sense, the Federal Ministry of Science and people that are actually going to provide the Technology should provide the brain box Well, I just told you that in radiology we funding, you have shown to be actually behind it, but they have to move without have a digital X-ray and in between them providing it, and that is the driver of the being seen, you understand. Workability, there is what is called X-ray digitizer which funding of telemedicine in US. The rural the draft, the design and every other thing, again is like an old technology; there is healthcare, remote rural where people that is their own the moment they do that, move from analogue X-ray to digital X-ray need to travel before they can access good they pull back for the health care guys who and in between them there is what is called health care, where highly qualified are now going to brainstorm on the utility, X-ray digitizer which is like a scanner. Here specialist doesn't not like going to set up. costing and so many other things that the you take old X-ray place it on it, We want to provide access for these people Federal Ministry of Science and scan it and use it. The idea is that as you are using that instrument of Telemedicine that Technology are ordinarily not in a position taking the film, it goes right in and is already is the only thing that is going to make sense as the case may be. in a database and is not supposed to be to the funders; the healthcare funding scanned again. So we have X-ray digitizer, agencies. You are not going to say that you Q. What are the challenges we don't have a Radiology Information are talking to Gwarimpa and they should facing the development of System. Of course the memory capacity of provide funding for you. Somebody in National Health Management most of the gadgets we use around like the Gwarimpa can jump into his car and come and Information System and MRI is limited, so after sometimes you have down to National Hospital Abuja; so you are to delete the image for you to continue to not going to get the sympathy; if it is the construction and use the system. between cities and for it to actually make institutionalization of a sense, you have to penetrate and that is National Health Account So these are some of the challenges that why people are now looking for other we have. We don't have an archival system. models. I remember at the Telemedicine (NHA) in the hospital? We have the gadget now that can if you go talk, we talked about using the mobile In our hospital here, we have software that to the laboratory to do endoscopy, the phone as a kind of low cost Telemedicine. In are designed by a software company, that image you can store it but I being in my every village in Nigeria, people carry phone is the one we are using all along. It office cannot access the image stored by now, so you have to influence their health encompasses health records, accounts the consultant in my department for the care, if you can designed a low end phone and personnel management. Mainly of purpose of examination. And if the patient not necessarily a smart phone, and you can course, for the hospital we need what is for whom the image was taken is my influence their health behavior, you are called the Health Information System. patient, I cannot access the image and doing something much more than building a Now, the Health Information System is a bit discuss with him or her. Other places of the 21 SPECIAL INTERVIEW

world, no body carry X-ray film around, you How will you assess the Government. We are supposed to have finish doing your X-ray, you go away but performance private been moving gradually to where a lot of when you go to the doctor's office where the private initiatives; if you know the private X-ray is requested, you put on the computer, initiatives in Telemedicine guys are bleeding for you to sustain your call your hospital number and your X-ray is services? sustain your business, power, personnel, displayed and then you review it before everything so it can be just be private decision is taken. In the theatre, it is the A specialist came here from the Nigerian in same thing. initiatives, so it is supposed to be both Diaspora in the US and who said okay he private and government. Government is Before we start any case in the morning, wanted to do Telemedicine; he said his own when I was on a visit to the University of supposed to play a large role especially in Telemedicine is only Tele-radiology. There providing the Telemedicine infrastructure Hamburg in Germany, you go to the is this radiology company in the US called and also in active funding of Telemedicine computer in the operating room, and that is Nighthawk, what they do is that they where you reveal the MRI, scan of the patient approach hospitals like National Hospital, especially because large numbers of that is about to be operated; nobody is and they say okay what they are going to people that are affected, that are going to carrying the film around and folding it and get do is that all your radiological needs are be beneficiary of Telemedicine are the blotted. So we need a picture archival going to be taken care of by us. poor, the impoverished. system; we also need a Laboratory Information System, especially part of the Rather than you maintaining your staff after The people that are living in areas far big, theater information, radiology hours or rather than you saying that you are remote from where qualified specialists information going to send ambulance to pick your are, do you understand! They are the radiologist to come and look at things. responsibility of government. There is a Anything between 5 o clock and 6 am very small limit to what private initiative Q. How do you think the tomorrow you contract the project to us. So can do unless the charity and there is no government should intervene Nighthawk people will now come and put programme as big as Telemedicine that especially in terms of their gadgets inside the radiology room, as can be sustained on charity. You know soon as they take the X-ray, the guy charity can afford to donate just one thing, strengthening our various manning the gadgets send it immediately just as Intel people have done, but the institution's role and to all the consultants who are, when they data, the sustenance, management and are on call they are on computer inside every other things has to be done by the responsibility in their their houses, not at National Hospital and stewardship in Telemedicine? they send the picture there and they government, so they has to work out the comment on it and send it back. workability of how funding is going to be Number one is Federal Ministry of Health done such that it can be spread around. needs to wake up. They need to set up a So in few minutes, you have the result for Just like the National Health Insurance Telemedicine office, most likely appoint a examination. So that was the idea that the Scheme, increasing the number of people director in charge, for Telemedicine to start guy brought to us. He said he wants to have that is participating in healthcare delivery running, but the situation where when you go this. He actually went to sold the idea first to but the cost is less, you know similar to the Federal Ministry of Health, and nobody N a t i o n a l S p a c e R e s e a r c h a n d model can be employed for Telemedicine. is representing Telemedicine, that means Development Agency NASRDA, so Telemedicine should be part and parcel of that there is no budget for Telemedicine at NASRDA people took him and they came national health care, National health the level of Federal Ministry of Health. here and we have a couple of meetings Insurance Scheme you know approved w i t h t h e m a n d t o l d funding. It is already there, but it is like So what are you going to get, nothing. At the them what bandwidth we need and how nominal. Nobody is doing anything about it end of the day, vendors are going to come they were going to get the bandwidth and because Federal Ministry of Health is not shout themselves hoarse, and then we need we are still brainstorming when the taking the initiative. this things and it has to be contained in the Nigerian Communications Satellite context of other contending needs and it is NigComSat went missing, so the guy was So this is what I think is the way forward not like that there is a developing plan for like a little devastated and it was like they Telemedicine, that says okay in the next two will provide another alternative for him, but and it is going to go a long way in actually years we need to move so numbers of Local along the line, we don't know what happen providing for people that need the service. Governments to be interconnected first, in and we never see the guy again. That is the Every day, I subscribe to the telemedicine one platform and then in another two years, Diaspora guy who saw an idea in US, report on the Telemedicine Association for we move to integrate more and so on and so brought it in and was trying to see how it America, each week, they publish the forth. Most especially when we are in Ibadan could work. He was a Pediatrician, but he number of grants, the Federal UCH last February, all these issues were wanted to bring this idea to NASRDA, and Government made available for highlighted as per the way forward and then along the line, implementation was an Telemedicine and all these are directed to we had a representative from the Federal issue and I don’t know whether he is still providing healthcare for people that are Ministry of Health then who actually was a with them or whether they are not keeping inaccessible, that live in accessible little bit non-challant, and it was like the abreast with the guy. So there have always situations, people in remote rural areas, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology been people that have idea, people living in people in battle front so on and so forth. are running the show; NASRDA is running Canada, US; and we have been This is the way the rest of the world is the show, so you see these parastatals inter- approached by so many people like this going and if there is going to be any rivalry kind of, that is why I said that policy and they say we have this idea. We know progress in Telemedicine, we are going to here don't talk to each other, we have Telemedicine, the idea is cool, but how do move beyond just launching and science policy moving on a different we move it from an idea into a programme. trajectory from the health policy, and so until impressing it on ourselves that computer can talk as this – government has to come both of them actually comes together or they Q. What are the way forward as take Telemedicine away from both of them if in and that is the truth. That is simply there is going to be rivalry. They can take it far as telemedicine is concern because those people that have the away from both of them, set it up as a kind of in Nigeria? money can get on the plane and fly from parastatal under the presidency. I mean you Lagos to come and see specialists in see, it will start blowing up. These are some Government has to take a lead. Without Abuja and anywhere they want to see him. of the issues and until that happens things government taking the lead, things are are not going to be okay. going to be difficult. This country is still largely dependent on the Federal REPORT

The NILESAT 201 satellite

Source: NASRDA Roadmap for telemedicine and e-health in Nigeria In Nigeria, instead of building hospitals in remote villages, the National Space Research and Development Agency, established a nine-site telemedicine program, installed telemedicine equipment in two Nigerian hospitals, Ibadan Teaching Hospital and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, as well as some additional, federal clinics throughout the country, according to this report.

Healthcare delivery, though a social Research and Development Agency It has also served the National responsibility of the government of every (NASRDA) embarked on national Economic Empowerment and nation, private investors have contributed telemedicine and e-Health services Development Strategies (NEEDS) immensely to this sector of life. Hence, the project to demonstrate the capacity and programmes, through capacity diversity of technological advancement c a p a b i l i t i e s o f h e r l a u n c h e d building in technology integration and has been championed by government communication (NIGCOMSAT-1) management, creation of jobs. The institute and agencies to in recent time to satellite in 2007. project has not only met the World bridge the gap between the growing Summit on Information Society population and emerging epidemics, such This project has put Nigeria on the world ( W S I S ) / U n i t e d N a t i o n s ( U N ) as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Cancers, Flu map of service providers in tele- resolutions and conclusions on the among others. consultancy and in other uses of space development of Information and technology against its former position of Communication Technologies (ICT) Nigeria in response to the Committee on service consumer only, which won her infrastructure, but has attracted the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space 2009 TIGA award. The project has been national and international paper (COPUOS) and the World Summit on one of the quick win of the present presentations such as the United Information Society (WSIS) directives to a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f t h e F e d e r a l Nations Regional Workshop on the promote the implementation of deployable Government of Nigeria in the on-going Use of Space Technology in Tele- services from the use of Information reform agenda to meet the Millennium Health to Benefit Africa in Burkina Communication Technology (ICT) Development Goals (MDG). Faso, 2008, Health Informatics training applications, through the National Space at University of Dundee, Scotland UK, REPORT

2008, International Conference on use different service provider at different The web-based connectivity allows M o b i l e C o m p u t i n g , W i r e l e s s but minimum data rate device to connect public and private interested Communication, E-Health, M-Health and to the web-based e-Clinic to be offered practitioners to register, update Telemedicine in Ladoke Akintola similar services simultaneously globally. knowledge on current event in University, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, 2008, healthcare globally and disseminate U n i t e d N a t i o n s / E C A C O D I S T- The project has enable Nigeria through information in view of outbreak of 1Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the e-Clinic platform to link over 4,000 epidemics. 2009, Annual Conference of Nigerian Nigerian Physicians of different Union of Radio Science in Redeemer's specializations in North America to carry Project impact University, Mowe, Nigeria, 2009, African out tele-consultation with their I n r e c o g n i t i o n o f N A S R D A ' s Union (AU) Head of States 14th counterparts in Nigeria to offer free or contribution towards the healthcare Meeting/UNECA ICT Exhibition at Addis affordable services both on real-time delivery in Nigeria, the United Nations Ababa, Ethiopia, 2010 and the Nigerian and second opinion of store and forward Economic Commission for Africa, Postgraduate Medical College Annual basis. This e-Clinic would create a new UNECA and the award given on the use Conference, Ilorin, Nigeria, 2010 dimension to the training and of ICT by Technology in Government in management of medical practitioners in Africa, TIGA, the New Partnership for NASRDA e-clinic project rural and urban locations of Nigeria and Africa Development, NEPAD has The effort of the National Space reduce rural – urban migration of health adduced to the adoption of the initiative Research And Development Agency, workers, most importantly reduce cost as African concept. Also, the National Abuja, Nigeria was again geared and risk associated with travelling long Office for Technology Acquisition and towards full realisation of the distances to access health services Promotion, NOTAP in Nigeria has development of knowledge-based home and abroad. requested for the patenting of the solutions and full integration of ICT for technological design and initiative. epidemiology surveillance and health Furthermore, the web-based e-Clinic education of her teeming population of project was complimented by the According to the agency, Nigeria in 150 million spread across over 250 proposed network to reduce the recent time has been opened to diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria. Also, in effort to challenge of the distance and access to opportunity in telemedicine and e- tap into the potentials of Nigerian facilities, also the adaption to the new Health services and applications using Physicians in Diaspora, the e-Clinic realities associated with finance and the ICT for real-time online diagnosis, strategy was developed in collaboration management, restructuring and referral, prescription and monitoring. with a Pediatrics Consultant, Dr. technological advancement which has Most significant is the pregnant Adeyinka Shoroye who returned to the contributed immensely to the patient- mothers monitoring using mobile country recently from California, USA care giving rise to the development of the phone in Ondo State, Nigeria. This the and Nighthawk Radiology Services in unify health service delivery in agency said the Telemedicine has been California, USA. multicultural and over 250 ethnic seen as one of the far reaching medium community of Nigeria. Further of health education and has provided The web-based application is integrated advantages of these interactive real- continuing education for health with the electronic video and voice time or store and transfer of video of professionals and special medical device for real-time online tele- diagnosis on patients are being taken service provision including workers in consultation and transfer of medical between remote health centres and remote locations. Telemedicine and e- data, high resolution images, sounds, tertiary hospitals. Health practice has not only increased live video and patient records from one in Nigeria but also the act of database location to another for second opinion or The complimentary project, which is creation and management of health real-time online treatment. This new basically an online and real-time information. innovative strategy was made possible healthcare service among the registered because of the open broadband practitioners (private and public), remote Telemedicine and e-Health has telecommunication market in Nigeria. Centres, and the medical Consultants at continued to gain interest of the health the University Teaching Hospitals and workers and the public and a not only According to the National Space Federal Medical Centres in the initial new but better and fast way of Research and Development Agency, pilot phase of 2007 including University healthcare delivery. Hence, it has been NASRDA, XVD Espresso multimedia College Hospital, Ibadan, University of seen as a digital bridge in healthcare device has capacity for audio, video Maiduguri College Hospital, Federal delivery among the 150 million compression smooth streaming at lower Medical Centre, Owo, Federal Medical population and 250 ethnic groups with bit rate and is integrated with the initial Centre, Yenogoa, Federal Medical varying geographical reflection, telemedicine equipment set up using the Centre, Owerri, 6. Federal Medical income and disease mapping. The satellite (VSAT) segment. But the current Centre, Makurdi, Federal Medical project therefore provides a unique set up only require very low bandwidth Centre, Gombe, Federal Medical opportunity for the projection of and and data rate because of the Centre, Brinin Kebbi and Fully mobile exchange of experiences health, skill compression ratio. unit providers across different professional areas in health and educational This enable the use of the mobile internet The innovation was enhanced with the services and sustainability of socio- access device with USB plug and play introduction of mini bus for village-to- economic and industrial society. capability, thereby bypassing the use of village health education, maternity VSAT (high bandwidth connectivity) and assistance and immunization campaign taking the advantage of the liberalized and medicare monitoring, which will telecommunication access in Nigeria. increase the fleets of the mobile units in Users at different remote location can the network.

IN THE NEWS ASIA

China to launch IoT broadcasting services to Indonesia and company helps lay the foundations for the other countries and regions participating digital world. Globally, more than 700 communications in the Belt and Road Initiative. cities and 228 Fortune Global 500 The development team is making efforts companies have chosen Huawei as their satellites named after to carry out the mission amid the digital transformation partner. In 2019, Wuhan coronavirus pandemic. In addition, a Huawei announced its computing series of China's space projects are strategy with the aim of cultivating fertile China will launch the first two progressing well. For instance, a trial soil for the intelligent world to flourish. As communications satellites for its space- version of China's new-generation part of this strategy, the company based Internet-of-Things (IoT) project in manned spaceship has been tested at launched the world's fastest AI processor, mid to late April, with one satellite named the Wenchang Space Launch Center in the Ascend 910, and the AI training cluster after its birthplace Wuhan, according to south China's Hainan Province. The Atlas 900. In 2019, sales revenue from the China Aerospace Science and experimental spaceship is expected to Huawei's enterprise business reached Industry Corporation (CASIC). be launched with no crew in mid to late USD$12.8 billion, up 8.6% year-on-year. April on the maiden flight of the Long The rocket to send the satellites, March-5B carrier rocket. Huawei's consumer business continues Kuaizhou-1A, was developed by the to see robust growth, with a total of 240 Wuhan-based Sanjiang Group under the million smartphones shipped throughout CASIC. Despite its proximity to the Huawei releases its the year. The company reports further epicenter of the novel coronavirus 2019 annual report progress in developing the Seamless AI epidemic, the company staff worked hard Life ecosystem across all scenarios and to ensure the success of the mission. devices, including personal computers, More than 130 members of the rocket and Huawei released its 2019 Annual tablets, wearables, and smart screens. In satellite joint test team have arrived at the Report, detailing a solid business 2019, sales revenue from Huawei's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in performance. The company's global consumer business reached USD$66.9 northwest China, to carry out assembly, sales revenue in 2019 rounded off at billion, up 34% year-on-year. test and launch operations for the mission USD$123 billion, up 19.1% year-on- this month. year; its net profit reached USD$9 "The external environment will only get The two satellites, Xingyun-2 01 and 02, billion; and its cash flow from operating more complicated going forward," Xu are the first stars of the "Xingyun activities topped USD$13.1 billion, up cautioned. "We need to keep enhancing Engineering" project, which is scheduled 22.4% year-on-year. As part of a long- the competitiveness of our products and to complete the network with 80 low-orbit t e r m , o n g o i n g i n v e s t m e n t i n services, promoting open innovation, and communications satellites. They were technological innovation and research, creating greater value for our customers designed and developed by the Xingyun Huawei invested 15.3% of its 2019 and society at large. This is the only way Satellite Co., a subsidiary of Sanjiang revenue – or approximately USD$18.8 we can seize the historic opportunities Group. billion – back into R&D. Its total R&D presented by the digital and intelligent Xingyun-2 01 was named "Wuhan." It will spend over the past decade now transformation of industries, and maintain work for a Chinese low-orbit constellation exceeds USD$85.9 billion. robust growth in the long run.” for Internet-of-Things communications and be tested in industries related to "2019 was an extraordinary year for marine, forestry and engineering Huawei," said Eric Xu, Huawei's PSN, Indosat, PNS to machinery, the company source said. Rotating Chairman. "Despite enormous outside pressure, our team forged launch Nusantara Dua ahead with a singular focus on creating satellite value for our customers. We worked China to launch hard to earn their respect and trust, as Satellite communication provider PT well as that of our partners around the communication satellite Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), in globe. Business remains solid.” for Indonesia cooperation with telecommunication service provider PT Indosat Ooredoo and In 2019, Huawei's carrier business led another telecommunication company, PT China is preparing to launch a the commercial rollout of 5G networks. Pintar Nusantara Sejahtera (PNS), plans communication satellite, Palapa-N1, for To further commercial adoption and to launch a newly built satellite from the Indonesia at the Xichang Satellite Launch promote new innovation in 5G Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Center in southwest China's Sichuan applications, the company established southwest China's Sichuan province later Province. The satellite was developed 5G joint innovation centers together with this month. under a contract signed between the carriers worldwide. Huawei's RuralStar China Great Wall Industry Corp. under the base station solutions can effectively The Nusantara Dua satellite, built by C h i n a A e r o s p a c e S c i e n c e a n d address coverage problems in remote China Great Wall Industry Corporation, Technology Corp. (CASC) and the Palapa areas. These solutions are being used in would replace the Palapa-D satellite to Satelit Nusantara Sejahtera of Indonesia over 50 countries and regions, bringing serve broadband internet access and in May 2017. mobile Internet to more than 40 million high-quality broadcasting services, PSN people living in remote areas. In 2019, said in a statement. "We hope Nusantara Palapa-N1 was built on an enhanced sales revenue from Huawei's carrier Dua will further strengthen the position of Dongfanghong-4 communication satellite business reached USD$42.5 billion, up the PSN business group as a major and platform by the China Academy of Space 3.8% year-on-year. Technology (CAST), and will be launched leading player in the Indonesian satellite industry," PSN president director Adi by a Long March-3B carrier rocket Huawei's enterprise business continues Rahman said in the statement. developed by the China Academy of to support the digital transformation of Launch Vehicle Technology. The satellite customers across industries as the will provide communication and PSN, Indosat Ooredoo and PNS 28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

established a joint venture called PT MyRepublica reports quoting ISPAN have dropped by up to 20 per cent. This is Palapa Satelit Nusa Sejahtera (PSNS) in President Mr. Bhojraj Bhatta that there particularly worrying, Farhad said. "Mobile 2017 to buy the satellite from the was no consultation from the operators have discussed the matter with Chinese satellite maker. PSNS will government before announcing the the commission but we have said that the operate the new satellite. package. They say they have been BTRC does not have the authority to come suffering from the lockdown and Covid- up with a decision like it," said Md Jahurul “The Nusantara Dua satellite program is 19 threat which puts them not in a Haque, chairman of the regulatory body, our long-term program, and it is a form of position to give discounts. regarding the demand on revenue sharing the company's commitment to waiver request. Haque suggested that the customers throughout Indonesia," PSNS They are currently managing their carriers discuss the matter with president director Johanes Indri network and the increased usage which policymakers. "In my personal view, only Prijatmodjo said. is 25% higher than before. So, they are the prime minister can give a decision about Johanes said the Nusantara Dua paying more for the increased it." satellite would replace Indosat bandwidth while the user number and Ooredoo's Palapa-D satellite located at revenue remains the same. With this, China develops new 113 East Longitude (BT). they claim to be already in a challenging position and unable to give more. system to quickly find The Nusantara Dua, which weighs 5,550 fallen rocket debris kilograms, will have a capacity of 20x36 COVID-19 has threatened the whole MHz C-band FSS transponders and 9.5 world and we all are struggling at this gigabit-per-second (Gbps) HTS. The moment. We could clearly see the China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center satellite can cover regions throughout economic crash-down that will prevail in announced the development of a new Asia Pacific and to Australia for C-band the near future. Consequently, in this positioning system that can greatly shorten transponders and throughout Indonesia difficult situation, we all are staying at the time searching for rocket debris. The for HTS. Meanwhile, the chief business home and also working all the way long system has proved efficient in seeking out officer of Indosat Ooredoo, Bayu from home. fallen rocket pieces after the center Hanantasena, said, "We are committed launched the 54th BeiDou satellite into to continuing to provide the best space on March 9. The satellite was sent telecommunication services for business Telcos in Bangladesh into space by a Long March-3 B carrier customers.” seek free spectrum rocket. With the guidance of the system, the center staff just spent 25 minutes finding the In line with Indosat Ooredoo's three-year Mobile phone operators have asked the rock et boosters, while in the past, it would strategy to make business-to-business telecom regulator to allocate some take them several hours or even half a services a new growth engine, the spectrum for free for the time being, month to complete such a task . Unlike Nusantara Dua would further expand reasoning that their network had many countries' launch pads, which are Indosat Ooredoo's business portfolio, he become busier for a surge in data use typically located along coastlines, China's added. amid the novel coronavirus-induced major launch sites are deep inland, which ongoing lockdown. means its rockets always fly directly over According to Johanes, the satellite with a densely populated areas. There fore, after lifetime of up to 15 years has the same The carriers also requested Bangladesh launches, rocket boosters and other pieces technology as its predecessor, the Telecommunication Regulatory will fall back to the ground, threatening local Nusantara Satu, which carries the Commission (BTRC) to exempt them communities. This year the country will Classic Fixed Satellite Service in Cband from sharing revenue with the continue to see intensive space launches. and HTS in Ku-band. “With that, government at least for a couple of How to make the rocket debris recovery satellites are more efficient while still months so that they can tackle the fallout precise and controllable has become an adding value to link reliability. This of the coronavirus. Mobile carriers share urgent problem for Chinese scientists. satellite can also be used for VSAT, 6.5 per cent of their gross revenue with broadcast, broadband, backbone, and the government. China to launch IoT backhaul, Johannes said. "We hope the launch will go smoothly, so that it is The telecom sector is experiencing communications estimated that in June 2020, it will be challenges similar to what all other areas satellites named after ready to serve the community,” Johanes of the economy are going through due to said. the coronavirus pandemic, according to Wuhan the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB). China will launch the first two Mobile carriers are already observing ISPs in Nepal request communications satellites for its space- trends in usage patterns that may leave based Internet-of-Things (IoT) project in subsidy to provide 25% a dent on their overall revenue, it said. mid to late April, with one satellite named Recently, carriers slashed data pack discount on Internet after its birthplace Wuhan, according to the tariffs by up to 50 per cent following a China Aerospace Science and Industry request from the telecom regulator, Corporation (CASIC). Internet service providers (ISPs) are which has resulted in data usage growth The rocket to send the satellites, Kuaizhou- currently seeking subsidy from the of around 20 per cent. Although data 1A, was developed by the Wuhan-based government to provide a 25% discount usage is growing rapidly, data Sanjiang Group under the CASIC. Despite on the internet. They also make it clear monetisation is still low for carriers, said its proximity to the epicenter of the novel that they won't be albe to provide the SM Farhad, secretary-general of the coronavirus epidemic, the company staff discount until they get any support or association. worked hard to ensure the success of the relief from the government. mission. Over the last couple of days, voice calls More than 130 members of the rocket and

29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

satellite joint test team have arrived at students stay connected. Increased 2017. This latest round of funding brings the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in internet and video-streaming usage have Myriota's total funding to more than northwest China, to carry out assembly, caused pressure on the network operators US$37 million test and launch operations for the systems to counter this, Google will be mission this month. temporarily defaulting all videos on “This is a critical time for IoT. Presently, 90 The two satellites, Xingyun-2 01 and 02, YouTube to standard definition. percent of the earth's surface lacks are the first stars of the "Xingyun connectivity. At Myriota, we've been Engineering" project, which is scheduled focused on filling that gap and to complete the network with 80 low-orbit HKATG to launch low- overcoming constraints in existing communications satellites. They were orbit high-frequency infrastructure. With this new round of designed and developed by the Xingyun funding, we'll continue to grow our Satellite Co., a subsidiary of Sanjiang satellite in June network of satellites to deliver on an Group. affordable, environmentally friendly, and Xingyun-2 01 was named "Wuhan." It Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group powerful solution to make data will work for a Chinese low-orbit (HKATG) has revealed plans to launch its accessible for our global customer base,” constellation for Internet-of-Things low-orbit high-frequency satellite in June said Alex Grant, Co-founder and CEO, communications and be tested in from China. Named as Golden Bauhinia Myriota industries related to marine, forestry and No.1, the satellite is vital for the company's engineering machinery, the company Golden Bauhinia space remote sensing "Myriota is a leader and innovator in low source said. project. cost, low power IoT. They have paved the The satellite is designed, produced and way in bringing products to market for Pakistan's internet use patented by HKATG, which is the first global and local applications, both here in International Astronautical Federation's Australia's flourishing space sector and increases by 15% amid member in Hong Kong. During this year, the across the world. Myriota's growth plans coronavirus lockdown Golden Bauhinia project targets to launch will only strengthen its ability to provide 165 low-orbit, high-frequency satellites, industry-leading connectivity across its which will cover the Guangdong-Hong network of international partners,” said Internet usage in Pakistan has increased Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Malcolm Turnbull, 29th Prime Minister of by 15 per cent as the country adjusts to developing urban hubs. Australia. life under lockdown amid the HKATG board of directors chairman Sun coronavirus outbreak. The spike has Fengquan said: “The Greater Bay Area Azerbaijani satellite been observed due to increased online aerospace industry generates tens of activities by educational institutions and billions of dollars in demand each year. “The operator launches new businesses and, 'work from home' policy new development direction of HKATG is project a d o p t e d b y i n d i v i d u a l s a n d centred on regional urban agglomeration organizations, according to a Pakistan and launching the “Golden Bauhinia Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Azercosmos OJSC, Azerbaijan's satellite Constellation.” The Golden Bauhinia c o m m u n i c a t i o n s o p e r a t o r, h a s press release. Constellation will leverage mobile target PTA reaffirmed that there is sufficient announced a start of the project to monitoring, space artificial intelligence (AI) promote services on remote sensing of internet capacity available in the country and dynamic change monitoring. to meet the growing demands of the the Earth surface for 2020-2021, a source future. Moreover, PTA has been closely at the company told Trend. According to monitoring the internet usage patterns Myriota raises US$19 the source, participation in the project is so as to ensure that fast & efficient million for satellite IoT free. telecom services remain available to the The project's main objective is to provide consumers in this difficult time, it said. technical support to legal entities and Telecom operators have taken an extra Myriota, a start-up based in Adelaide, researchers engaged in research work in step to facilitate its users across Australia, announced US$19.3 million in sectors that are considered priority in Pakistan by providing information about Series B funding for its low-cost and low- connection with the activities envisioned COVID-19 along with uninterrupted power satellite connectivity for the Internet in the state program for development of service. New packages have been of Things (IoT) remote sensing of the Earth in Azerbaijan introduced at a lower price point by all .Myriota has pioneered a new way to for 2019-2022 including encouraging and stimulating the countrywide development Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs)China launched to retrieve two satellite data for its GPSsystemfrom anywhere (Source: Chinaon EarthDaily help people to stay and work from home. through the connectivity between its of Earth remote sensing services, using Google has also introduced new constellation of satellites and low-power IoT Azersky satellite's data. features and resources to provide locally modules. The company said its technology Azercosmos is the first and only satellite relevant information to Pakistani users. will revolutionize the way companies share operator in South Caucasus established These include expansion of #COVID19 information across multiple industries, such on May 3, 2010. The company provides SOS Alerts and Knowledge Panels on as agriculture, defense, mining, transport & highly reliable, satellite-based services Google Search, as well as YouTube logistics, and more. for telecommunications and geological Information Panels. Alongside this, the The new funding round was led by Hostplus reconnaissance. search engine giant is assisting the and Main Sequence Ventures. Additional Azercosmos' export portfolio for Ministry of National Health Services with investors include In-Q-Tel, Inc., Right Click telecommunication satellites includes ad inventory so they can provide timely, Capital, Singtel Innov8, Boeing HorizonX, leading companies of the countries such helpful information to the public. South Australian Venture Capital Fund, and as the US, the UK, France, Germany, Google has introduced a new collection Malcolm Turnbull – the former Australian Malaysia, which cover various regions. of distance learning solutions, training, Prime Minister who led the government that T h e c o m p a n y o p e r a t e s t w o and resources to help teachers and established the Australian space agency in communications satellites - Azerspace-1, Azerspace-2, and the low-orbit satellite 30 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Azersky. support from our worldwide content The carrier also has plans to build 5G partners in joining hands with us in Mobile Edge Computing centers in 12 PCCW Media offers enabling this arrangement to offer Now TV locations across Korea, and work with and Now E complimentary services.” prominent cloud companies like Amazon over 9,000 hours of Web Services and Microsoft to launch 5G free entertainment to SK Telecom, ETRI edge cloud services. keep stay-at-home develop ultra-low-power 2degrees confirms Hong Kong population AI semiconductor readiness to connect entertained students to broadband South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT PCCW Media, a leading, fully announced that SK Telecom and the 2degrees is delighted to confirm that it has i n t e g r a t e d m u l t i m e d i a a n d Electronics and Telecommunications signed a contract with the Ministry of entertainment company headquartered Research Institute (ETRI) have developed Education to connect homes to its national in Hong Kong, is offering Now E service an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor broadband network, as part of the Ministry's free to all Hong Kong viewers in the based on neural network processing units Distance Learning Package. midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. (NPUs), which can be applied to data centers and IoT devices, and is expected “The connections we are offering are a Now E, a one-stop OTT entertainment to dramatically raise energy efficiency of combination of fixed broadband and fixed platform, will offer over 9,000 hours of various AI services. streaming content free including news, wireless connections. Our national broadband is strong and has capacity, so movies, TV series, variety shows and “When the chips are used in cloud data we're pleased we'll be able to connect these sports to all Hong Kong people from centers, they can speed up deep learning students with their teachers and April 9 to June 8, 2020. Users can processes and increase electric efficiency classmates, helping bridge the digital divide simply download the Now E app and tenfold,” said Kwon Young-su, group and boost their learning. Our New Zealand- enter the code 'NowFree' to enjoy the leader of the processor research group at based call centre is standing by ready to content anytime, anywhere free of the ETRI. play its part,” said Andrew Fairgray of charge during the said period. Currently, the CPUs and GPUs used for AI 2degrees. computation consume a large amount of Viewers can access the latest news power and have a large chip size, which “As part of this, we'll be filtering the content updates on COVID-19 and breaking limits their efficiency. The country's first to ensure there's the same safe learning news around the world from Now News ultra-low-power AI semiconductor (AB9) is environment in the home as there is at and Now Business News channels. In designed for high-performance servers at school. And for parents and caregivers, the addition, users can enjoy a broad cloud data centers. spectrum of premium movies, including broadband connection will also give them access to 2degrees WiFi calling if they have Asian big hits Along With The Gods By integrating 16,384 computing devices a mobile phone,” said Mr Fairgray. (I&II) and Extreme Job at Now Baogu in an area of ?the size of a coin, ETRI Movies, and international award a c h i e v e d h i g h - c o m p u t a t i o n a l winning titles Cold War and Shoplifters performance, processing data 40 trillion CAT keen to operate at MOViE MOViE PLAY. times per second and minimized power consumption to as low as 15W to 40W by Thaicom 4, 6 NowJelli offers Chinese variety shows applying software technology capable of featuring top Asian celebrities, while running and cutting off power to each CAT Telecom has expressed its readiness Now Drama provides popular computing device. to take control of satellites Thaicom 4 and 6 Cantonese-dubbed Asian dramas According to the ministry, the chip after Thaicom's satellite operating including Takuya Kimura's latest minimizes circuit space, while maintaining concession ends in September next year. Japanese drama, Kyojo, and Korean performance of visual recognition 30 times The state telecom enterprise said it will drama Doctor John. In addition, World every second by using one-tenth of the assign 24 staff to attend a one-year satellite of the Married, the latest top-rated energy (0.5W) spent on commercial training course under the collaboration with Korean topical drama based on the semiconductors. Thaicom from September to ensure the British television series Doctor Foster, In the second half of the year, empirical seamless continuity of the two satellites' from Viu Premium and Leap Day tests of the AI semiconductor will be operation. produced by ViuTV are all accessible conducted at SK Telecom's data centers, The move follows a recent resolution by the via this Now E app promotion. Sports which will provide intelligent CCTV and National Digital Economy and Society fans can enjoy a diverse array of sports voice recognition services. Committee (NDESC) to approve CAT programs including football, golf, Despite setbacks felt all around the world Telecom serving as the sole agency in badminton, and live horse-racing on at this time, SK Telecom still plans for 2020 handling the operations and assets in Now Sports Prime. to be a big year. With 2.22 million 5G users connection with the satellite concession Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of recorded in January, SK Telecom accounts due to expire next year. Previously, the PCCW Media Group, said, “To echo the for 44.7% of Korea's 5G market, and Digital Economy and Society (DES) positive spirit and efforts of Hong Kong expects to expand its 5G coverage to Ministry planned to draft terms of reference people doing their part in social neighborhoods of 85 cities and bring the (ToR) to seek companies to operate and distancing and staying at home due to total number of its 5G Clusters to 240 make use of the assets under the public- COVID-19, we are offering more home throughout 2020. Further, the company private partnership (PPP) model. entertainment to them for free to make has plans to add AI video analytics and AR But the move was later scrapped and the their extended period of home-stay technology to its booming next-gen NDESC agreed that CAT Telecom would be more enjoyable. We are thankful for the network. the sole agency to handle the operation of 31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

the two satellites after the concession new international benchmarks by showing the lockdown. In the need of the hour, the expires. Such a resolution would be its commitment to protect consumer Nepali Government has decided to submitted to the cabinet for approval interests and enhance public-private introduce a 'digital education system' for soon, said CAT Telecom president collaborations for the digital transformation educational institutions including schools Sanpachai Huvanandana, adding: "We & socio-economic benefit of Pakistan. to continue the teaching and learning are waiting for the formal approval from process even during the lockdown. the cabinet". NEC to offer satellite The Office of the Prime Minister and "CAT is now ready to handle the task," system to Vietnam Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has Col Sanpachai said. The company submitted a report to the Supreme Court would be responsible for asset stating that online classes for grades 9 management and operations of NEC Corp. will offer an earth observation satellite system to Vietnam in what will be and 10 will be conducted 6 days a week national orbital slots with efficient through NTV Plus. capability and security. He said CAT the first export of its kind by the Japanese electronics and information technology Moreover, the OPMCM has prepared and Telecom has drawn up a national forwarded the curricula for online classes satellite management plan, which was company. In a project worth about 20 billion yen ($186 million), the satellite will for grades 6 to 8 to the Curriculum presented to the National Space Policy Development Centre. Board and the NDESC on April 10. be launched around 2023 and contribute to The plan covers CAT's preparation for measures against natural disasters and management of satellite-related climate change in the Southeast Asian China Mobile adds over business and services. Thaicom 4 has country. It is the first satellite project by a 29 million 5G an engineering lifespan and fuel power Japanese company using official until 2022, Col Sanpachai said. Its development assistance funds from the subscribers in Q1 119.5 orbital slot is location of high government-backed Japan International potential to support Thai and foreign Cooperation Agency. China Mobile, the world's largest customers. According to NEC, the project also operators in terms of subscribers, added includes the development of a ground 29.17 million 5G subscribers in the first system comprising a 9 meter-diameter quarter of 2020, the company said in its PTA Pakistan ranked parabolic antenna and satellite control earnings release. The carrier said it ended 4th Generation center, among others, as well as local March with a total of 31.72 million 5G human resources related to satellite subscribers, compared to 2.55 million 5G regulator by ITU operations and data analysis. Training of customers at the end of last year. The local personnel is expected to contribute to company's overall mobile subscriber base Pakistan has been ranked as 4th enhancing monitoring capabilities and the was reported as 946 million, down almost Generation Regulator (G4) by the ability to forecast natural disasters. 4 million in the quarter. The operator's net International Telecommunication Union The ground system will be installed at a profit declined 0.8% year-on-year in the (ITU) and has become the only country space center in Hoa Lac, a high-tech park first quarter to CNY23.5 billion ($3.32 in South Asia to have achieved this outside Hanoi, and operated by the billion), with operating revenue falling 2% goalpost. Out of 38 economies in Asia- Vietnam National Space Center. Modeled to CNY181.3 billion. China Mobile's Pacific, only 8% states have managed after NEC's radar observation satellite that service revenue climbed 1.8% to to achieve G4 status. is currently in operation, the "LOTUSat-1" CNY168.9 billion, while product sales According to ITU's report “Global ICT Earth observation satellite is capable of declined 34.9% to CNY12.4 billion. Regulatory Outlook 2020 (GIRO)”, capturing high-definition earth images Pakistan scored 88 out of 100 which under all climate conditions, both day and In a statement, China Mobile chairman means that Pakistan's ICT regulations night. The new 580-kilogram satellite will Yang Jie said COVID-19 posed an impact are led by economic and social policy be placed on Sun-synchronous sub- on the overall society and economy in the goals. Pakistan is also among the top 5 recurrent orbit. first quarter of 2020 and that the group's regulators in the entire Asia-Pacific business development was no exception. region with a global rank of 48. GIRO is The executive noted the carrier took steps built on high-quality data provided by Nepal to introduce to ensure reliable communications, 193 countries worldwide that forms the digital education amid maintain service continuity and enhance basis of 'ICT Regulatory Tracker'. The prevention and control measures. It also Tracker, developed by ITU, is an COVID-19 lockdown accelerated its business transformation evidence-based tool that helps and upgrade as steps to control the decision-makers and regulators Even though there are no significant spread increased demand for information monitor the rapid evolution of ICT number of coronavirus cases in Nepal, the services. regulation COVID-19 pandemic has never hesitated The report further reveals that Pakistan to disrupt every aspect of life. The deadly Yang also said that China Mobile will also has scored full marks (20/20) for coronavirus has incited nationwide “continue to optimize its revenue structure Regulatory Authority, 19/22 for lockdown, suspension of flights, closure of and strive to maintain growth in regulatory mandate, 22/30 for educational institutions and restriction of telecommunications services revenue for regulatory regime and 27/28 for public gatherings, among others. the full-year of 2020.” “In the face of competition framework. Pakistan's As the nation is reeling under various challenges including COVID-19, journey towards collaborative unprecedented lockdown, most of the business transformation and upgrade and regulation has also been highlighted as parents are worried about the education of higher 5G-related costs, the Group will a special feature in the report. their children. Many believe that their continue to develop new sources of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority children should continue their education revenue and identify ways to curtail (PTA) is continuously striving to achieve and learning should not stop even during expenses, while taking measures to

32 IN THE NEWS ASIA

reduce costs and enhance efficiency,” the I T U a n d W H O c a l l o n a l l Wilhelmsen. executive added. t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n c o m p a n i e s worldwide to join this initiative to help “This is a list of organisations whose Earlier this month, China Mobile awarded unleash the power of communication significance for the maritime industry most of a CNY37.1 billion ($5.2 billion) 5G technology to save lives from COVID-19. speaks for itself,” says Ronald Spithout, contract to compatriot vendors Huawei This initiative builds on current efforts to President, Inmarsat Maritime. “Shipping and ZTE, according to Chinese press disseminate health messages through and its customers are demanding reports. Huawei won 57.3% of the value of the joint WHO-ITU BeHe@lthy BeMobile solutions and technology to address the contracts across 28 provinces, with ZTE initiative. decarbonisation targets set by regulators taking 28.7%, Ericsson 11.5% and China Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the and this is where startups and market Information Communication Technologies first pandemic in human history where disruptors come in.” 2.6%. technology and social media are being The International Maritime Organization is In the new phase of its 5G program, China used on a massive scale to keep people targeting a 50% cut of greenhouse gas Mobile is aiming to acquire over 232,000 safe, productive and connected while (GHG) emissions from ships by 2050, and 5G base stations as it looks to extend being physically apart. average carbon intensity (CO2 per tonne- coverage to 28 regions across China. mile) reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% Health workers are utilizing telemedicine by 2050 compared to 2008 figures. The Chinese carrier has already to diagnose patients and hospitals rely on Our recent research report 'Trade 2.0: How completed the first phase of its 5G network being connected to coordinate and triage Startups are driving the next generation of deployment. Currently, China Mobile them. Resilient and trustworthy maritime trade', predicted the value of Ship provides 5G coverage in 50 cities. The telecommunication networks and Technology (ShipTech) rising from $106bn operator is aiming to have a total of services are essential, as more countries, to US$278bn by 2030 driven in part by 300,000 5G sites across China by the end companies and individuals turn to digital innovators and disruptors providing of 2020. In its first tender, conducted in technologies to respond to and cope with solutions that will help monitor and cut 2019, the operator selected Nokia and the impact of COVID-19. emissions. Ericsson as well as Chinese vendors Building on their longstanding Huawei and ZTE. China Mobile had collaboration, ITU and WHO are already deployed nearly 50,000 5G base committed to identifying and scaling best Nova Systems, Airbus to stations across the country as of the end of evidence-based digital health solutions explore partnerships in last year and currently provides 5G and to leveraging frontier technologies technology in 50 cities across China. The such as artificial intelligence and big data Australian aerospace company's chairman Yang Jie previously to diagnose, contain and predict sector said that carrier plans to leverage base outbreaks better and faster. ? station sites and transmission facilities Nova Systems and Airbus have signed a used for 4G services to deploy its 5G charter to identify future collaborative network cost-effectively. Inmarsat joins business opportunities, improve their capabilities through the complementary Decarbonising Shipping application of skills, and deliver Unleashing information programme competitive solutions in the Australian technology to defeat aerospace sector. Inmarsat is pleased to announce it is a Nova Group Global Chief Executive Greg COVID-19 founding member of Asia's first Hume commented on the partnership and 'Decarbonising Shipping' initiative to the potential for further agreements across The World Health Organization (WHO), harness the power of start-ups to meet the globe. the International Telecommunication UN targets on greenhouse gas “Agreements such as this provide Nova Union (ITU), with support from the United emissions, which launched earlier. Systems the opportunity to collaborate and Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)?, are The regional initiative, based in partner with Defence and Security set to work with telecommunication Singapore, is part of the Trade & companies at the leading edge of companies to text people directly on their Transport Impact (TTI) programme from capability and technology. Nova Systems mobile phones with vital health messaging venture development firm Rainmaking to has capabilities that enable technology to help protect them from COVID-19. bring startups together with backers with through our core specialisations such as These text messages will reach billions of maritime experience and expertise. Wet Test, Safety and Systems Assurance. This people that aren't able to connect to the joined the first two cycles of TTI, held in partnership between Nova Systems ANZ internet for information. Europe in 2019, which scouted 1,200+ and Airbus is a great example of a start-ups and led to 24 collaboration collaborative relationship providing Now more than ever, technology must projects. sovereign services in support of the ensure that everyone can access the Australian government's strategic and information they need. The collaboration Backed by the Maritime & Port Authority national interests”. will start in the Asia Pacific region and then of Singapore, the new initiative is Under the agreement, the scope of roll out globally. The goal is to reach expected to identify 1,000+ projects opportunities may include: equipment everyone with vital health messages, o f f e r i n g m o d e l s t o t a c k l e acquisition and support programs, whatever their connectivity level. An decarbonisation, with selected start-ups provision of engineering services and estimated 3.6 billion people remain offline, to be matched with maritime industry secondment of personnel. with most people who are unconnected leaders willing to build collaborative pilot In speaking of the strategic partnership, living in low-income countries, where an projects. Alongside Inmarsat, other Andrew Mathewson Managing Director at average of just two out of every ten people confirmed partners include Cargill, DNV Airbus Australia Pacific, highlighted the are online. GL, Hafnia, MC Shipping Inc., Vale and importance of continuing to grow Australia's industrial capabilities.

33 IN THE NEWS ASIA

“Airbus' charter with Nova Systems sets Inmarsat report provider of high-speed maritime the framework for a long-term broadband connectivity via Fleet Xpress, collaborative relationship that will deliver highlights critical role we work closely with the large corporate real results for Australia's defence industry of partnership in enterprises pushing the technological capabilities, local jobs and technology envelope. However, this new report upskilling. Airbus welcomes the Japan's connected highlights other important relationships opportunity to work closely with innovative that are also shaping Japan's digital enterprises such as Nova Systems to maritime innovation future,” says Spithout, “including those ensure that we continue to deliver the best ecosystem outside of conventional networks, such solutions to our customers”. as the E5 Lab on autonomous vessels, A new study, 'A quiet revolution – the the Ship Data Centre and the Maritime Successful deployment maritime innovation ecosystem in Innovation Japan Corporation.” Japan', explores the commitments to of first Guatemala Internet of Things (IoT)-based ship and Speedcast International satellite crew management already made by corporate Japan, then goes on to offer Ltd extends The CubeSat developed by a team from unique insights into the country's forbearance agreement the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala emerging start-up culture. has been successfully deployed from the with lender group Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” of The report, sponsored by Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite the International Space Station. This Speedcast International Limited CubeSat, named “Quetzal-1” was communications, is the first in a series of in-depth profiles into maritime announced an extension to its selected as the winner of the Second Forbearance Agreement with its lender Round of KiboCUBE programme.(*) The technology and start-ups in specific countries. It builds on 'Trade 2.0: How group to 24 April 2020. Details of the live streaming of the deployment was Forbearance Agreement were contained broadcasted online, and many people in start-ups are driving the next generation of maritime trade', a global study in Speedcast's ASX announcement of 2 Guatemala watched the successful April 2020. The discussions between deployment of their first national satellite launched by Inmarsat in 2019 during London International Shipping Week. Speedcast and its lender group, as set through live streaming. out in that announcement, are Quetzal-1 was developed as Guatemala's Both studies are the work of renowned continuing. first satellite, and the Universidad del Valle Speedcast remains committed to de Guatemala will operate the CubeSat maritime experts Nick Chubb and Leonardo Zangrando (MSc, MBA). Nick working with its customers and suppliers after its deployment from “Kibo.” The through this unprecedented period to knowledges earned from the observation Chubb is a former seafarer and Founder and Director of Thetius Maritime ensure continuity of their critical data of Quetzal-1 will be applied in telecommunications services. Guatemala's future remote sensing Innovation Intelligence. Leonardo technology. Zangrando is a Naval Architect and KiboCUBE is a cooperative programme Founder and Managing Director of Satellite connectivity between UNOOSA and JAXA to offer Startup Wharf Ltd, an Independent supports Pacific opportunity to deploy CubeSats from Global Hub of Startup-driven Maritime “Kibo.” This programme aims to improve Transformation. disaster relief space technology of the developing and Satellite communications are supporting emerging space nations of the United “We are delighted to be the key sponsor relief efforts in the aftermath of a Nations member states. of this latest report,” says Ronald Category 5 storm that battered Pacific Spithout, President of Inmarsat island nations. The United Nations Crisis Mr. Hiroshi Sasaki, Director General, Maritime. “It offers a perceptive insight Connectivity Charter was activated after JAXA Human Spaceflight Technology into the status of Japan's growing Cyclone Harold made landfall on Directorate maritime digitalisation in 2020.” Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, killing dozens of We are relieved that the CubeSat 'A quiet revolution – the maritime people, destroying homes and seriously (Quetzal-1) of the University del Valle de innovation ecosystem in Japan' can be damaging infrastructure. Guatemala, which was selected as the downloaded from the following links 2nd KiboCUBE program, was steadily English version, Japanese version. The cyclone has also hampered attempts released, and we would like to extend our to stop the spread of COVID-19 as respect to UNOOSA and the University del K Line has worked with Kawasaki Heavy hospitals try to cope with the influx of Valle de Guatemala for their efforts. We I n d u s t r i e s d e v e l o p i n g a s h i p injured victims and thousands of hope that the experience and knowledge performance optimisation platform to homeless residents are forced to take obtained through the development and manage biofouling, optimise trim, and to shelter in evacuation centres, where technical demonstration of Quetzal-1 will reduce crew workload. MOL joined the social distancing is difficult to maintain. lead to the further development of remote National Maritime Research Institute and The Crisis Connectivity Charter was sensing technology in the Republic of Furuno Electric Co. to develop established in 2015 as a means of Guatemala in the future. We are also augmented reality for navigation support g u a r a n t e e i n g a c c e s s t o v i t a l proud to contribute to the development of for 21 very large crude carriers (VLCC). communications when disaster strikes. space technology in Guatemala through While NYK has developed its onboard Inmarsat, along with other world-leading the utilization of the Japanese Experiment IoT platform with Monohakobi satellite operators under the umbrella of Module “Kibo”. Lastly, congratulations on Technology Institute (MTI), Nippon t h e E M E A S a t e l l i t e O p e r a t o r s the successful deployment of the first Telegraph and Telephone and NTT Data. Association (ESOA) and the Global satellite of the Republic of Guatemala from “Partnerships have been the bedrock for VSAT Forum (GVF), signed the charter to “Kibo”! digitalisation in Japan. As the leading further signal our commitment to

34 IN THE NEWS ASIA

supporting global humanitarian relief integrated cloud-based packages for a range of Comtech EF Data's RF efforts. ground and mission control systems. Products and RAN/WAN Optimization Kubos has collaborated with the Royal solutions to complement the Heights™ Since 2018, signatories have committed Thai Air Force, Swiss company RUAG Networking Platform. to supplying satellite equipment and Space and the US Government. dedicated capacity for humanitarian Anywise sees Kubos' open-source The Heights™ Networking Platform purposes within 24 hours of a disaster. integrated flight software framework features high efficiency DVB-S2X shared This is the third time the charter has been beneficial to the Australian aerospace outbound which, when coupled with the activated. Following the move by the industry as space and technology. This evolutionary Heights™ Dynamic Network Emergency Telecommunications Cluster software will play a major role in meeting Access (“HDNA”) technology and built in (ETC), a network of organisations led by a range of national and international LTE optimization, provides the highest the World Food Programme, Inmarsat needs and opportunities, from maritime performance solution capable, while made a bandwidth and data package s u r v e i l l a n c e a n d u l t r a - s e c u r e offering the best Total Cost of Ownership available which the ETC is using with communications to monitoring our (“TCO”). Additionally, the solution delivers locally sourced equipment to coordinate natural environment and the resources it the highest Quality of Experience (“QoE”) relief efforts with affected nations' provides. by minimizing jitter and latency, making it governments. ideal for full 2G/3G and 4G LTE service Anywise General Manager Steve delivery. Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Kouloumendas said: “Partnering with Enterprise, said: “Inmarsat is a proud international companies with a similar Richard Swardh, Senior Vice President, signatory of the Crisis Connectivity culture and passion for innovation MNO of Comtech EF Data commented on Charter and we will always do everything provides us access to cutting-edge the project, "We are excited that this MNO in our power to support humanitarian technology and allows us to implement selected our Heights™ solution to support operations in the aftermath of a disaster, that technology into the Australian space its mobile services over satellite today when reliable communication is vital in user community and to prepare for the future roll out of 5G getting the right help to people in good services. We have yet again proven to time. have the highest QoE across all “Delivering aid to populations attempting Comtech receives $1.6 generations of mobile technology. Our to lockdown in the face of the coronavirus million to deliver industry-leading jitter and latency pandemic makes this even more of a performance make it easy and convenient challenge, and means having access to efficient satellite for MNOs to deploy satellite backhaul with up-to-date information on the ground is cellular backhaul in the highest Key Performance Indicators especially important.” China (“KPIs”).” China's launch mission China's new large Comtech EF Data Corp., received $1.6 on Palapa-N1 satellite million in orders for satellite ground rocket Long March-5B fails station equipment from the world's makes maiden flight largest Mobile Network Operator based China's launch mission on the Long in China. This equipment will be utilized March-3B carrier rocket carrying a to support the upgrade of its existing China's new large carrier rocket Long communication satellite of Indonesia, m o b i l e b a c k h a u l a n d t e l e p o r t March-5B made its maiden flight, sending Palapa-N1, suffered a failure. The rocket technologies. the trial version of China's new- blasted off at 7:46 p.m. Beijing Time from generation manned spaceship and a the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in “I am pleased that Comtech was selected cargo return capsule for test into space. southwest China's Sichuan Province. to provide our Heights mobile backhaul The white large rocket blasted off from the solution for mobile end-customers based Wenchang Space Launch Center on the The rocket worked in normal conditions in in China.” said Fred Kornberg, Chairman coast of southern China's island province the first-stage and second-stage. And of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hainan at 6 p.m. (Beijing Time), abnormal conditions happened in the of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. “I according to the China Manned Space third-stage. Debris of the third-stage believe this order is evidence that Agency (CMSA). About 488 seconds rocket and satellite had fallen, and the Comtech's advanced satellite ground later, the experimental manned launch mission suffered a failure, station technologies are essential, spacecraft with no crew, together with the according to the monitoring data. especially during a time of difficult test version of the cargo return capsule, Investigations into the malfunction and conditions caused by the coronavirus. I separated with the rocket and entered the following up works are underway. am cautiously optimistic, that as normal planned orbit. Anywise collaborating with Kubos - conditions eventually return, additional The successful flight inaugurates the Space Services, Satellite Command and orders from new customers will be "third step" of China's manned space Tracking Anywise is working with received in the future.” program, which is to construct a space American SME Kubos to provide station, said CMSA. Specially developed advanced space services to the After a competitive Request for for China's manned space program, Long Australian Space Industry. Information (“RFI”) process was March-5B will be mainly used to launch completed by the MNO, it selected the modules of the space station. Based in Texas, Kubos is providing Comtech EF Data's Heights™ tailored software for space services, Networking Platform as the premier satellite command and tracking with an solution, which can support its current 2G expert team working remotely around the and planned 4G mobile backhaul United States. Kubos also provides services, while also being 5G ready for the future. In addition, the MNO selected IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

OneWeb files for antennas that are designed to work with Hughes awarded follow the Starlink satellites. chapter 11 restructuring on contract from According to the company, the antennas are designed to connect users to to execute sale process NAVAIR to enhance SpaceX's network of satellites. airborne Measuring at about 19 inches across, OneWeb announced that the Company Musk noted that the antennas look like and certain of its controlled affiliates have communications for small UFOs. The SpaceX founder also voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 U.S. coast guard said that these devices are very easy to of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. install and use. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District Hughes Network Systems announced "It looks like a UFO on a stick," he said of New York. The Company intends to use according to CNBC. "It's very important these proceedings to pursue a sale of its its selection by the U.S. Naval Air Systems (NAVAIR) to provide SATCOM that you don't need a specialist to install. business in order to maximize the value of The goal is for ... just two instructions the company. systems integration for the U.S. Coast Guard on its HC-27J aircraft. Under the and they can be done in either order: Point at sky, plug in.” To date , the Company has successfully agreement, Hughes will integrate Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) systems to launched 74 satellites as part of its SpaceX's first batch of Starlink satellites constellation, secured valuable global strengthen the Coast Guard's missions requiring airborne Communications-on- was officially deployed in May last year. spectrum, begun development on a range Since then, the company has been of user terminals for a variety of customer t h e - M o v e ( C O T M ) , i n c l u d i n g Intelligence, Surveillance and regularly carrying out launches for new markets, has half of its 44 ground stations batches of satellites. Currently, there are completed or in development, and Reconnaissance (ISR), humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR). Under around 360 Starlink units operating in performed successful demonstrations of low-Earth orbit. The launch for the next its system with broadband speeds in this contract valued at $3.5 million, which follows completion of a 2018 batch of satellites is scheduled to take excess of 400 Mbps and latency of 32 ms. place next month. In addition, OneWeb's commercial team award to Hughes for BLoS system integration, has seen significant early global demand Originally, SpaceX planned to deploy a for OneWeb's high-speed, low-latency total of 12,000 satellites for its Starlink connectivity services from governments Hughes will integrate components from technology providers CPI Radant and project. However, documents filed by and leaders in the automotive, maritime, the company last year revealed that enterprise, and aviation industries. GETSAT Ltd. for installation on HC-27J aircraft – including antennas, modems, SpaceX was planning to launch an and radomes – as well as providing additional 30,000 satellites. Once engineering services and technical completed, the entire project could be Cobham secures DE&S training for testing and operations. Part comprised of about 42,000 satellites. anti-jam satellite signal of the Coast Guard's medium-range As noted by the company, the massive surveillance aircraft fleet, the HC-27J satellite constellation will enable contract performs numerous maritime missions telecommunication companies to in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the provide internet services to customers Pacific Ocean, such as search-and- residing in remote and hard-to-reach Cobham Aerospace Connectivity rescue, drug/migrant interdiction and regions in different parts of the globe. announces that it has been awarded a disaster response. contract by the UK MOD's Defence "With performance that far surpasses Equipment and Support (DE&S) to that of traditional satellite internet, and a research Advanced Anti-Jam techniques SpaceX to deploy one global network unbounded by ground for the protection of navigation signals million antennas for infrastructure limitations, Starlink will received from the Global Navigation deliver high-speed broadband internet Satellite Systems (GNSS). Starlink satellites after to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely The contract will see Cobham conduct securing FCC approval unavailable," SpaceX explained in a research to develop means to provide as statement. sured and resilient Position Navigation SpaceX has secured the approval of the and Timing (PNT) information derived Federal Communications Commission from the GNSS multi-constellation. (FCC) to deploy up to a million ground Viasat, Visiontec Cobham was best placed to address the antennas for its Starlink satellite expand satellite UK MOD's needs through its extensive constellation project. Earlier, the background in advanced antenna company's founder Elon Musk referred internet partnership in technology and sophisticated signal to the antenna as "a UFO on a stick." Brazil processing capabilities. The research is SpaceX recently undertook the set against a backdrop of increasing successful launch of its sixth batch of reliance on GNSS navigation signals in the Starlink satellites, which is part of the Viasat Inc., a global communications nation's critical infrastructure and national company's impressive project to deliver company, and Visiontec, a Brazilian- security and the frequent interruptions of high-speed internet from space. based satellite products distribution the signals either accidentally or Recently, the company was able to company, announced they have intentionally. The more sophisticated secure a key government license to expanded their partnership to focus on interruptions involve the falsification of the begin rolling out another important bringing fast, reliable internet service to navigation signal information for nefarious feature of its Starlink project. According residential homes across Brazil. Upon reasons such as piracy, civil disruption and to federal documents filed by the completion of the launch rollout, Viasat military advantage. company, the FCC has given SpaceX will be able to reach 100 percent of the approval to release about one million

36 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Brazilian continental territory, through $7.7 million was in the third quarter), on said it expected the new service to reach Visiontec's in-market sales, fulfillment and the previously announced three-year between 60-90 million subscribers by technical support expertise. $124.2 million contract to provide ongoing 2024. Given its strong start, this total is By partnering with Visiontec, Viasat has a sustainment services for the AN/TSC- likely be reached much sooner. dedicated, trusted, local Brazilian partner 198A SNAP (Secret Internet Protocol to help execute its residential service go- Router (“SIPR”) and Non-classified to-market strategy—from assisting in Internet Protocol Router (“NIPR”) Access Omnispace selects sales engagements to providing quick in- Point), and baseband equipment. SNAP Thales Alenia Space to home installations and on-site technical terminals provide quick and mobile support. Viasat's local field services teams satellite communications capabilities to develop satellite will train Visiontec's vast network of personnel in the field. The contract has Infrastructure distributors, dealers and installers to been funded $87.0 million to date. rapidly meet the demand for high-speed Omnispace, the company that is residential internet service in the country. “More than ever, it is important that our reinventing mobile communications by U.S. Army customer has access to building a global hybrid network, Bruno Soares Henriques, Viasat's Brazil reliable advanced communications announced it has selected Thales Alenia commercial director commented, "Now equipment and we look forward to Space, a joint venture between Thales more than ever, the world is looking to stay providing additional essential equipment (67%) and Leonardo (33%), to develop connected to friends, family and and services under our contract in future the initial component of its satellite-based colleagues. At Viasat, we made a periods,” said Fred Kornberg, Chairman Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. commitment to invest and grow our of the Board and Chief Executive Officer This will advance Omnispace's vision to Brazilian internet services business, and of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. deliver a global hybrid communications have partnered with Visiontec, to help us network based on 3GPP standards. better understand the market's needs. We The Mission-Critical Technologies group look forward to officially launching high- is focused on ensuring its customers are Thales Alenia Space will design and build speed, high-quality residential internet able to successfully carry out their an initial set of two satellites for operation service shortly—and delivering a premium mission, whether that be communicating in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO). internet service even to the hardest-to- in an austere environment on land or at These initial satellites will support 3GPP- reach locations.” sea, launching or tracking a satellite, or defined (the 3rd Generation Partnership protecting the cyber security posture of P r o j e c t t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s "Viasat's advanced technology and their network. specifications that unite standard service capabilities will help Brazilians, development organizations) Narrow- located coast-to-coast, join the digital Disney+ reaches Band IoT radio interface and will serve to ecosystem—which is critically important in advance the development and today's world," said Antonio Carlos de 50million subscribers implementation of Omnispace's global Moraes, business development director, hybrid network. This announcement Visiontec. "By broadening our relationship The streaming service Disney+ now has marks a key milestone as Omnispace with Viasat, we can help more Brazilians initiates the development of its new get access to a premium internet service 50 million paid subscribers. Of these, around 8 million are in India, where it generation NGSO satellite constellation that will offer greater capabilities for which will operate in the S-band. people to be productive and entertained launched on the existing Hopstar service. Disney+ made its debut in the US five online. We see this expanded partnership "Thales Alenia Space has a successful as a win for everyone.” months ago and is now available in more than a dozen countries around the world. track record of developing NGSO satellite constellations and is well-qualified to The Viasat/Visiontec partnership was It was launched in eight Western European markets – UK, Ireland, France, support our vision of delivering the world's initially announced in June 2019. Since first global 5G non terrestrial network that time period, Visiontec has Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland – in the two weeks. (NTN)," said Ram Viswanathan, successfully installed Viasat's satellite President and CEO of Omnispace LLC. broadband equipment in over 11,000 fully "This investment in our next-generation operational sites across Brazil, including Commenting on the latest milestone, Kevin Mayer, chairman of Walt Disney satellite infrastructure allows us to at remote schools, hospitals and progress the development of our government facilities. Viasat's ground Direct-to-Consumer & International, said: “We're truly humbled that Disney+ is technology and demonstrate our unique network and infrastructure uses capabilities as we continue to work bandwidth from the Telebras SGDC-1 resonating with millions around the globe, and believe this bodes well for our towards launching our broader vision of a satellite to deliver satellite internet global hybrid network." services. continued expansion throughout Western Europe and into Japan and all of Latin America later this year. “Great storytelling "Thales Alenia Space is pleased to be Comtech receives order inspires and uplifts, and we are in the working with Omnispace, which is taking for mobile satellite fortunate position of being able to deliver a a holistic approach to the design, vast array of great entertainment rooted in development and deployment of their equipment joy and optimism on Disney+”. next-generation, IoT-based satellite network infrastructure," said Hervé Disney+ made its debut in the US, Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Canada and the Netherlands on "Omnispace's selection of Thales Alenia announced that its Mission-Critical November 12 and within a couple of days Space reinforces our leadership position Technologies group, which is part of achieved 10 million sign-ups. A week later as a major industrial partner and our Comtech's Government Solutions it launched in Australia, New Zealand and e x p e r t i s e i n s p a c e - b a s e d I o T segment, received an order consisting of Puerto Rico. Prior to its launch, Disney communications. We look forward to additional funding of $9.1 million (of which collaborating with Omnispace in

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

delivering this innovative project." satellites into orbit no earlier from the Tree and GO Ms. Chief. SpaceX has The development of this initial set of historic Launch Pad 39A at NASA's worked steadily to reuse as much of its satellites will begin immediately and they Kennedy Space Center here. The Falcon 9 rockets as possible, and has are scheduled for launch in 2021. company test-fired the first stage of made 50 first-stage landings in recent Omnispace and Thales Alenia Space, Falcon 9 booster to ensure the rocket is years. along-side other industry stakeholders, will ready for launch, the company said on While catching the falling fairings can be contribute to the development of the 3GPP Twitter. a challenge, SpaceX has also been NTN friendly standard for global The test, called a static fire, is a typical scooping them out of the water and implementation. prelaunch test for SpaceX missions and refurbishing them. Shrouding the stack sent smoke billowing from the 229-foot of 60 Starlink satellites is the second set Intelsat 901 satellite tall (70-meter) rocket as its nine Merlin 1D of payload fairings to be reused. engines briefly ignited. The upcoming Starlink 6 is the first time SpaceX has returns to service using launch, called Starlink 6, will mark the fifth used a fairing half that was caught in a mission extension Starlink mission this year and the net. For this flight, one half was caught company's seventh batch of operational by GO Ms. Tree and the other was vehicle satellites — launched 60 at a time — scooped out of the ocean. It's also the since 2019. third flight to feature recycled fairing The Starlink 6 mission's veteran Falcon 9 pieces. Intelsat announced that Intelsat 901 has rocket rolled out of its hangar and went According to SpaceX, the fairing halves returned to service following the successful vertical on the launch pad in advance of used in this flight were first flown on the docking with the first Mission Extension the test-firing of its first-stage engines on AMOS-17 mission, which launched in Vehicle (MEV-1) from Northrop Grumman Friday morning. During the test, teams 2019. The boats are expected to leave Corporation and the company's wholly- loaded the Falcon's super-chilled Port Canaveral a few days prior to owned subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC, on propellants — kerosene and liquid launch, so they can be in position and February 25 – the first time that two oxygen — into the rocket and then briefly ready to make another catch. commercial spacecraft docked in ignited the first stage's nine Merlin 1D geostationary orbit. Since the February engines. rendezvous, MEV-1 has assumed The rocket featured in the upcoming flight Nanosatellite initiative navigation of the combined spacecraft is a thrice-flown booster, having planned for Mexico stack reducing its inclination by 1.6° and previously launched the Crew Dragon relocating IS-901 to its new orbital location. capsule on its first journey to the space Intelsat then transitioned roughly 30 of its station in 2019, a trio of Canadian Earth- Nanosatellite manufacturer and mission commercial and government customers to observing satellites, and the fourth integrator NanoAvionics, together with the satellite on April 2. Starlink mission earlier this year. the Mexican Space Agency (AEM), is The Starlink 6 launch will mark the fifth planning to introduce a nanosatellite The transition of service took approximately time a SpaceX booster will fly four times. pilot project for future space missions. six hours. IS-901 is now operating at the The company's previous Starlink mission Working with students from the 332.5°E orbital slot and providing full also featured a veteran booster. Polytechnic University of Atlacomulco, service to Intelsat customers. Intelsat views However, during that flight, one of the the first development planned by the life-extension services, like MEV booster's nine engines cut out during its project partners will be a nanosatellite for technology, as a cost-effective and efficient ascent. Falcon 9 is designed to handle the State of Mexico, the most populous way to minimize service disruptions, this type of engine failure and deliver its state in the country, which is located in enhance the overall flexibility of its satellite payload safely to orbit. However, the South-Central Mexico. fleet and better support the evolving needs booster was unable to successfully land Building the nanosatellite – the AtlaCom- of its customers. Under the terms of the on the drone ship. 1 – is part of a pilot project to establish a contract, Northrop Grumman and This upcoming mission is also unique in nanosatellite infrastructure for future SpaceLogistics will provide five years of life that it's the second to feature another key space missions designed and built by extension services to IS-901 before piece of recycled hardware: the rocket's Mexico's youth. returning the spacecraft to a final nose cone. Also called the payload The project, starting in September 2020, decommissioned orbit. MEV-1 will then be fairing, the clam-shelled covering is is, says NanoAvionics, a testimony to the available to provide additional mission designed to protect the payload as it importance of space applications extension services for new clients including rockets through the atmosphere. Once enabled by nanosatellites, which are orbit raising, inclination corrections and the craft reaches orbit, the two pieces are rapidly becoming essential to national inspections. Intelsat has already also jettisoned and plummet back to Earth. economies. contracted with Northrop Grumman for a Historically, the fairings have been a NanoAvionics is a nano-satellite bus second MEV (MEV-2) to service Intelsat "one-and-done" component; once they manufacturer and mission integrator. 1002 satellite later this year. do their job, the pieces are discarded in The company's efforts are focused on the ocean, never to be seen again. But enabling critical satellite functions and SpaceX aims to change that and save $6 optimising their launch, hardware and SpaceX tests Falcon 9 million per flight by reusing even a single operation costs – ranging from single fairing. missions to constellations. Its core rocket for next Starlink To that end, the California-based rocket engineering team has implemented over satellite fleet launch manufacturer has outfitted two boats with 75 successful satellite missions and giant nets that act as mobile catcher's commercial projects during the past mitts. SpaceX has also outfitted each several years. SpaceX has fired up the rocket that will ferry fairing with a parachute and onboard NanoAvionics' engineers will share their the company's next batch of Starlink computer system that will steer it back to space mission experience and help the satellites into space. That rocket is Earth and (hopefully) into the students and faculty at the Polytechnic expected to launch 60 Starlink internet outstretched nets of the ships GO Ms. University of Atlacomulco to develop the

38 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

AtlaCom-1. The company's multi- this will be enhanced with the introduction of purpose nanosatellite buses are pre- Global Certification a certification programme once all the configured and pre-qualified, allowing Forum and 450 MHz formalities have been finalised.” mission teams to focus on their Alliance sign MoU to p a y l o a d s . A s a r e s u l t , s a y s Cobham EXPLORER 323 NanoAvionics, technology development further driver missions can produce results quicker certification into the 450 and EXPLORER 6075LX and satellite constellations can enter terminals receive commercial service much faster. MHZ spectrum Inmarsat type approval Bell accelerates rural Global Certification Forum (GCF) and 450 MHz Alliance today formalised a new Cobham SATCOM and Inmarsat have today Wireless Home Internet partnership with the official signing of a announced the type approval of two new rollout in response to Memorandum of Understanding that will land satellite terminals. The low-profile see a GCF certification initiative extend to vehicular Cobham EXPLORER 323 BGAN COVID-19 users of the 450 MHz band. The new terminal and the auto-point 'fly-away' collaboration means that global wireless Cobham EXPLORER 6075LX VSAT terminal are now fully operational on the Bell Canada has accelerated the rollout carriers, equipment manufacturers and Inmarsat network with commercial of its Wireless Home Internet (WHI) other device manufacturers in the IoT and shipments of each beginning immediately. broadband service in rural Canada as machine-to-machine vertical markets can part of its response to the COVID-19 eventually have access to a programme The new EXPLORER 323 terminal crisis, and is on track to reach 137,000 that provides a level of confidence in represents the first class 12, electronically more homes than originally planned by interoperability in this spectrum. steerable terminal for use on Inmarsat's L- the end of this month, it announced on band Broadband Global Area Network its website. This month's WHI 450 MHz Alliance works with members to (BGAN). It combines the slimmest form deployments will bring new or enhanced grow momentum across the 450 MHz factor of any vehicular BGAN terminal with a broadband access to 180 communities ecosystem, providing a simple entry for number of new innovative features and sets in Quebec and Ontario, including operators and manufacturers and a new standard in robustness due to its lack agricultural regions, small towns and unleashing the potential of the spectrum of moving parts. In conjunction with other rural locations. Bell CEO Mirko for cellular IoT applications on LTE Inmarsat's highly reliable network, offering Bibic stated that a 40% increase in WHI networks. The extension of the GCF up to 99.9% uptime, it promises a new usage over the last month amid the certification programme to 450 MHz under standard in mobile communications to COVID-19 pandemic 'has clearly the new joint partnership will give organisations operating in remote locations underscored the value of the service to stakeholders the benefit of connected across a wide array of industries. customers in smaller communities.' WHI reliability through the formalisation of currently delivers internet speeds of up compliance with requirements, as well as The class 12 terminal features speeds of up to 25Mbps but Bell promises upgrades delivering significant cost efficiency. The to 384kbps, support for BGAN (data and to faster connections in the future. Bell confidence in interoperability that a GCF voice) and BGAN M2M (data) operations, ultimately plans to cover approximately certification programme delivers is and an integrated antenna and receiver, one million homes in Atlantic Canada, particularly important for mission and meaning only a rooftop unit is needed. Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba with business critical communications Additionally, the EXPLORER 323 has an WHI services. operating in this range integrated WiFi Hotspot for setup, management and data access. Developed Usage patterns on Bell's networks “The evolution of the 380 MHz – 512 MHz to integrate seamlessly with Cobham's directly reflect many of the general spectrum towards LTE is expected to PRISM PTT+ offering, the EXPLORER 323 impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on increase quickly, so there has never been will enable telemetry and voice Canadians. With millions more people a better time to introduce a certification communications as well as other uses in working remotely from home, Bell programme and deliver confidence in remote rail operations, utilities, mining, aid Internet data volumes have increased interoperability to all our stakeholders,” and NGO operations, agriculture, public as much as 60% during the day and said Igor Virker, Managing Director at 450 safety and emergency response. 20% in the evening. Landline and MHz Alliance. “By partnering with GCF as wireless voice traffic has surged by up to the globally recognised quality mark for Inmarsat has also approved the new auto- 200% at peak times while conference this within the mobile and IoT industry, we point 'fly-away' 0.75m Cobham EXPLORER calling is up 250%, alongside increased can really help facilitate the successful 6075LX VSAT terminal for its high-speed demand for 1-800 services to support sustained progress of the 450 MHZ Ka-band Global Xpress service. The new public health and other government ecosystem. terminal offers the most reliable and stable information lines. The group also noted connection in its class and features a a 40% increase in Bell TV viewing “Our collaboration with 450 MHz Alliance simplified design, enhanced usability, quick volumes and a 75% jump in usage of is a fitting addition to the GCF's growing setup and built-in WiFi. With a dynamic auto- Bell Media's Crave video streaming suite of certification solutions that are pointing correction the terminal maintains its service. helping to keep the world secure and reliably connected,” said Lars Nielsen, connection even in windy conditions or when CEO and General Manager, GCF. “The pushed or moved, optimising its connection 450 MHz spectrum is gaining interest constantly. The EXPLORER 6075LX also thanks to its suitability for M2M features a considerable reduction in weight connectivity. The great work that the 450 versus the EXPLORER 5075GX for greater MHz Alliance is doing to grow and facilitate portability and will support high-bandwidth

39 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

applications in broadcasting, resilience These solar sail propulsion systems are and field-office operation. "I'm tremendously proud and excited that designed for future small interplanetary NanoAvionics will be part of NASA's effort spacecrafts destined for low-cost deep- Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat to validate a new beam-powered space and science missions requiring Enterprise, commented: “We are proud propulsion system, eventually leading to long-duration, low-thrust propulsion. to offer these two game-changing more marvelous deep-space missions terminals to our partners and customers. following the first inter-planetary CubeSats With already more than 75 successful Their launch follows an important period MarCO-A and B (Mars Cube One)," said F. satellite missions and satellite-related of industry consultation, innovation and Brent Abbott, CEO of NanoAvionics North commercial projects, NanoAvionics will collaboration between Cobham and America. "The technology demonstration assemble the 12U bus at its new Inmarsat. With the EXPLORER 323 ideal using NanoAvionics' 12U bus will be the Columbia facility in Illinois, while the final f o r v e h i c u l a r t r a c k i n g a n d first ever in-orbit trial of NASA's composite integration of the payload will be carried communications and the EXPLORER booms as well as sail packing and out at NASA Ames facilities. Matching 6075 optimised for high-bandwidth deployment systems for a solar sail. It will NASA Ames' mission requirements, the operations, both terminals improve upon guide the development of a next 12U bus shares the same flight-proven their predecessors and are set to make generation nanosatellites with solar sail subsystems as NanoAvionics' flagship ultra-reliable connectivity easier to propulsion system for small inter-planetary M6P bus but with up to 10U payload access in the remotest areas, wherever it spacecraft.” volume. The larger volume will be is needed most.” necessary to provide enough room for As part of this agreement the company will the 4.6 kg payload that includes the also supply a mechanical testbed model composite boom and solar sail system as NASA's new solar sail and a FlatSat model. In addition, a team of well as cameras to monitor the solar sail system to be tested on- NanoAvionics engineers will provide the during and after deployment. support required for testing, integration board NanoAvionics' and operations of the nanosatellite. "I'm tremendously proud and excited that satellite NanoAvionics will be part of NASA's The FlaSat model has identical software effort to validate a new beam-powered functionality as the final 12U bus propulsion system, eventually leading to NanoAvionics has been selected to build hardware, hosting the actual payload. It more marvelous deep-space missions a 12U nanosatellite bus for an in-orbit allows NASA Ames to run tests via remote following the first inter-planetary demonstration of NASA's Advanced network connectivity without having to ship CubeSats MarCO-A and B (Mars Cube Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3). equipment back and forth. The mechanical One)," said F. Brent Abbott, CEO of This a result of a contract between NASA testbed model can be used for testing NanoAvionics North America. "The Ames Research Center and AST for a payload integration and other mechanical technology demonstration using 12U bus to carry NASA's payload into tests, such as the deployment of solar NanoAvionics' 12U bus will be the first low Earth orbit (LEO) including an sails. ever in-orbit trial of NASA's composite approximately 800 square foot (74 booms as well as sail packing and square meter) composite boom and solar In 2018 AST acquired a controlling interest deployment systems for a solar sail. It will sail system. in NanoAvionics as part of its strategy to guide the development of a next establish manufacturing capabilities in generation nanosatellites with solar sail The aim of the ACS3 mission is to replace Europe and North America. Abel Avellan, propulsion system for small inter- conventional rocket propellants by CEO and chairman of AST serves as planetary spacecraft." developing and testing solar sails using chairman of NanoAvionics' Board of s u n l i g h t b e a m s t o t h r u s t t h e Directors. nanosatellite. These solar sail propulsion AssetLink Global systems are designed for future small Solutions provide interplanetary spacecrafts destined for NASA's new solar sail low-cost deep-space and science system to be tested on- global visibility and missions requiring long-duration, low- awareness to the thrust propulsion board NanoAvionics' satellite Caribbean fishing With already more than 75 successful satellite missions and satellite-related industry commercial projects, NanoAvionics will NanoAvionics has been selected to build a assemble the 12U bus at its new 12U nanosatellite bus for an in-orbit AssetLink Global LLC today announced Columbia facility in Illinois, while the final demonstration of NASA's Advanced that Comprehensive Security Solutions integration of the payload will be carried Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3). This Inc. (CSSI), a Barbados based GPS and out at NASA Ames facilities. Matching a result of a contract between NASA Ames satellite data service provider, is NASA Ames' mission requirements, the Research Center and AST for a 12U bus to increasing procurement of AssetPack 12U bus shares the same flight-proven carry NASA's payload into low Earth orbit Hybrid™, an IoT solution purpose-built to subsystems as NanoAvionics' flagship (LEO) including an approximately 800 meet burgeoning demand for real-time M6P bus but with up to 10U payload square foot (74 square meter) composite vessel monitoring services in the volume. The larger volume will be boom and solar sail system. Caribbean arena. CSSI is placing an necessary to provide enough room for order of 1,500 AssetPack™ IoT devices the 4.6 kg payload that includes the The aim of the ACS3 mission is to replace for use in the company's proprietary composite boom and solar sail system as conventional rocket propellants by Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). This well as cameras to monitor the solar sail developing and testing solar sails using system is currently in use by maritime during and after deployment. sunlight beams to thrust the nanosatellite. industry clients operating in the countries IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

of Suriname, Belize, and Guyana. track the position and movements of COMSAT inks deal with Powered by AssetLink hardware and IoT fishing vessels operating in territorial data services, CSSI offers real-time VMS waters across the Caribbean. The CSSI ABS to enhance C- and services to public and private sector VMS solution has proven instrumental in organizations ranging from commercial b o l s t e r i n g t h e r e g u l a t i o n a n d Ku-band U.S. fishing fleets, port authorities, coast enforcement of commercial fishing connectivity solutions guard, and other marine law enforcement practices in the region. agencies operating across LATAM. on ABS-3A By partnering with AssetLink, CSSI is The CSSI VMS UX provides value-added able to support the needs of local COMSAT Inc., has ratified an agreement geo-positioning data services including governments and oceanic agencies to with ABS, a global satellite operator, to vessel tracking, real-time GPS, marine counteract forced labor practices and enhance and strengthen the COMSAT geofencing, emergency alerting, and curtail illegal, unreported, and global network. The addition of the ABS- granular access to location based data on unauthorized fishing practices, through a 3A satellite to the COMSAT Southbury, the provenance of fish hauls across the series of commercial fishing laws and the Connecticut teleport services bolsters its region. issuance of vessel operating licenses reach throughout the Americas, Europe, regulated and enforced by individual North Africa and the Middle East to provide The Suriname Ministry of Agriculture, member countries. more resilient and robust connectivity Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) is currently solutions through its terrestrial fiber stepping up efforts to curb Illegal, pathways unreported, and unregulated (IUU) . fishing activities in the region. Under the Lockheed Martin inks leadership of Minister Rabindre new contract with A 14.2M antenna delivering C-band Parmessar, the Ministry is reaching out to services and a 9M antenna, providing Ku- stakeholders in the commercial fishing DARPA band services, have been allocated to industry to bring additional clarity to the support the new partnership. As demand issue. Concurrently the Ministry is DARPA has awarded Lockheed Martin a for data transmission increases globally mandating adoption of VMS in vessels $5.8 million contract for the first phase of the agreement focuses on providing operating in Surinamese waters with the satellite integration on the Blackjack multiple service options and strengthened goal of unifying all fishing operations program. Lockheed Martin will define satellite connectivity to deliver increased under a single VMS platform. and manage interfaces between amounts of data, video, mobility, and Blackjack's bus, payload and Pit Boss - government applications between the AssetPack is a next-generation, solar- its autonomous, space-based command U.S. and international markets. battery powered IoT device capable of bi- and data processor. Additional scope directional communications over high- includes testbed validation of internal “Connecting with ABS-3A gives us availability cellular and satellite data and external vehicle interfaces. Program augmented access to additional networks. AssetPack includes precision work will primarily be performed in international markets from our east coast GPS and sensor-agnostic interfaces Sunnyvale, California. ground station to support a wider variety of designed to track the movement of fleet data, content contribution, broadcast and vessels, monitor the operation of ship “Lockheed Martin has built and distribution video services,” says Director equipment, and gather data on local integrated a variety of payload types and of Teleport Services, Chris Faletra. “Our marine ecologies. GPS positioning and sizes for every type of mission and we mission is to enable partners and emergency alerting provide vessels the bring all of that experience to the customers to effectively maximize the real-time visibility and situational Blackjack program,” said Sarah Reeves, capabilities of space-based assets to awareness required when traversing vice president of Missile Defense optimize essential mission communication protected marine ecologies or operating Programs at Lockheed Martin. “This is an systems and ensure on-time and near disputed territorial waters. The exciting new approach to plug-n-play seamless operations, no matter how solution easily and cost effectively design for LEO and we are up for the complex. This new agreement with ABS integrates with a wide range of marine challenge.” ensures we continue to do that.” assets -- including fishing vessels, ship mounted assets, drift trackers, and buoys DARPA's Blackjack program aims to COMSAT will participate in the ABSPlus -- and is engineered to provide 7-10 years develop and demonstrate the critical program, which aggregates teleport of maintenance free operation in elements for a global high-speed infrastructures from around the world to unforgiving marine environments. network in low earth orbit (LEO) that seamlessly integrate ground networks provides the Department of Defense with with satellites globally. “As an ABSPlus "AssetLink IoT solutions enable us to highly connected, autonomous, resilient, participant we will supplement an already offer real-time GPS and emergency data and persistent coverage employing impressive set of high standard services our clients need to ensure the multiple payload types and missions. technology companies in the ABSPlus safety of crew and vessels out at sea," Future phases of Blackjack are expected family, and plan to add value to the said Ryan A. Clarke, Owner of CSSI. "The to include build, test, and launch of a collective efficiency and reliability of solar power capabilities of AssetPack demonstration constellation in 2021- network delivery. allow us to equip Suriname vessels en 2022. route via pan-Atlantic shipping routes to We are extremely excited to be part of distant foreign markets with an such a powerful offering,” adds Faletra. uninterrupted VMS positioning and panic “Our collaboration with COMSAT on ABS- button solution." 3A reinforces our presence in the U.S. AssetLink IoT solutions offer the real-time market and brings optimal C and Ku- edge intelligence required by CSSI to IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

bandwidth and services to enhance and antennas that meet cost and accelerate new business opportunities in performance targets,” said Abhishek Iridium reported first-quarter total revenue this market and other regions. ABS-3A Kapoor, Anokiwave vice president of of $145.3 million, which consisted of $116.0 offers prime C-and Ku-band payload Sales. “This is a unique first in the million of service revenue and $29.3 million capacity to support fast-growing data and industry as many companies have been of revenue related to equipment sales and video markets with comprehensive working on solutions with promises engineering and support projects. Total coverage in the Americas, Europe, the made and broken, expectations set and revenue increased 9% from the comparable Middle East and Africa,” commented Jim not fulfilled. In the past, managing the period of 2019, while service revenue grew Frownfelter, Chairman and CEO of ABS. delicate balance of cost and 8% from the year-ago period. Service “Through our ABSPlus services COMSAT performance of the ICs has been a key revenue, which represents primarily will further expand its infrastructure, challenge to the mass adoption of active recurring revenue from Iridium's growing services and efficiencies on the ABSPlus antennas for satellite communications.” subscriber base, was 80% of total revenue platforms. This new relationship for the first quarter of 2020. strengthens our commitment to “Ball Aerospace has a long history of excellence, global reach and flexibility lowering the cost of phased array The Company ended the quarter with through additional satellite-based systems, and the new Anokiwave IC's 1,332,000 total billable subscribers, which connectivity options for our customers.” allow us to further reduce costs while compares to 1,151,000 for the year-ago maintaining our desired system period and is up from 1,300,000 for the Anokiwave, Inc. and performance,” said Jake Sauer, vice quarter ended December 31, 2019. Total president and general manager, Tactical billable subscribers grew 16% year-over- Ball Aerospace to Solutions, Ball Aerospace. “Ball has year, driven by growth in commercial and enable flat-panel integrated the Anokiwave IC's into our government IoT customers. phased arrays for air, new subarray architecture, a building block approach specifically designed to "In the first quarter, Iridium delivered solid land, and sea support both commercial and military growth in total revenue and billable applications end-users. This enables manufacturing subscribers, driven by strong gains in economies of scale and promotes service revenue, engineering and support design reuse for multiple SATCOM services, and equipment sales. New applications – a first for the industry.” revenue from Iridium Certus® broadband, Anokiwave, Inc. and Ball Aerospace have along with increases in contractual revenue announced a collaboration to develop Ball Aerospace has completed over-the- from the U.S. government and Aireon also and enable the next generation of air testing of its Anokiwave IC enabled aided our results," said Matt Desch, CEO, SATCOM terminal solutions. As part of subarrays and has measured results Iridium. Desch added, "Iridium is pleased to this collaboration Anokiwave's advanced, showing transmit and receive have completed all planned refinancing low-cost silicon 2nd generation SATCOM performance over scan, switchable activities in recent months, and we remain K/Ka-band ICs power the Ball Aerospace polarization and tapering. These test confident in our ability to generate fully electronically steerable K/Ka-band results matched, and in most cases significant free cash flow in 2020 and antennas that feature no moving parts, beat, modeled estimates. beyond. Accordingly, we continue to be providing long-term reliability with low- committed to undertaking shareholder- cost manufacturing. Iridium announces friendly activities in due course.” Ball Aerospace brings an innovative first-quarter 2020 Commenting on the impact of COVID-19 to approach to flat panel electronically results; company the business, Desch said, "In March we steered antennas with flexible, cost began to see a reduction in the pace of efficient subarrays that can be tiled updates 2020 outlook subscriber additions, and heard from some together to form an antenna that is of our many partners about varying levels of customized to meet the end user's needs. business impact depending on their This approach allows the flexibility to Iridium Communications Inc. has industry. Into April, these trends optimize a terminal to the mission needs reported financial results for the first accelerated. While we continue to forecast of the customer without the cost of quarter of 2020 and updated its full-year overall growth in service revenue and antenna re-design. Anokiwave provides 2020 outlook. Net loss was $31.7 OEBITDA for 2020, we are updating our full- Silicon SATCOM beamforming ICs that million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the year outlook to account for these improve performance, reduce cost, first quarter of 2020, as compared to net unfavorable impacts." Desch continued, simplify thermal management, and loss of $18.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted provide a host of unique digital share, for the first quarter of 2019. This "Iridium's satellite services are used for functionality to simplify overall system increase in net loss was primarily the mission-critical applications across the design. Compared to multiple other result of debt extinguishment costs globe, and our revenue base has, companies that are just beginning to associated with Iridium's refinancing of historically, been more resilient than many promise their early stage ICs, Anokiwave its senior unsecured notes. Operational businesses to exogenous shocks and ICs are fully released and are shipping in EBITDA ("OEBITDA")(1) for the first economic cycles, though the current volume. quarter was $92.1 million, as compared economic shutdown is unprecedented. The to $78.0 million for the prior-year period, timing of the shutdown coincides with “With our latest generation of SATCOM representing a year-over-year increase Iridium's peak season and will impact us ICs, Anokiwave has improved the of 18% and an OEBITDA margin(1) of accordingly. Still, we remain confident in performance and reduced the cost to a 63%. OEBITDA primarily benefitted Iridium's ongoing financial position and our point where Ball Aerospace can now from strength in commercial and capacity to generate significant free cash deliver flat panel electronically steered government service revenue. flow.” IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Viasat ships over 200 multi-channel radio capable of higher throughput in every market and performing Link 16 communications in region we service. The increase in move out / jump off link a small form factor. In using this system, efficiency and performance that DVB- 16 tactical gateway warfighters on the move have a rapidly- S2X offers allows us to continually lower deployable solution that delivers our operating costs while increasing the systems to U.S. and access to critical air/ground situational reach and reliability of our satellite awareness data. In addition, the MOJO services.” international military is a complete, compact and ruggedized forces line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight “Satellite connectivity is an integral part communications system that is ideal for of the overall service portfolio of today's translating incompatible messages leading telcos and network operators,” Viasat Inc. has surpassed a significant f r o m d i s p a r a t e s a t e l l i t e said Darren Ludington, Regional Vice milestone of shipping 200 production units of communications networks in remote President, Americas, ST Engineering its advanced Move Out / Jump Off (MOJO) locations where network extensions iDirect. “Our platform has already Link 16 expeditionary tactical gateway are critical to execute a mission. enabled Telefónica to offer services system. The MOJO system allows platforms across many segments. Through this with size, weight and power restrictions to additional investment, Telefónica can communicate on a Link 16 network, and Telefónica Business realize the benefits offered by DVB-S2X exchange near real-time tactical situational to expand its geographical reach and awareness data and secure voice with other, Solutions expands ST strengthen its service offerings to high-valued Link 16 platforms. Engineering iDirect customers.” The 200th milestone shipment marks a DVB-S2X Service in threefold increase year-over-year in production capacity of the MOJO system. Latin and Central Momentus announces MOJO systems are currently in use by all America working arrangement U.S. military services, the U.S. National Guard, and coalition partners, and are with Swarm deployed throughout the U.S. Department of ST Engineering iDirect, announced that Defense's Combatant Commands. As a Telefónica Business Solutions has Momentus service model is well- result of continued interest in Viasat's MOJO purchased its sixth iDirect hub to launch matched with Swarm's need for low cost, system, the Company plans to steadily a new DVB-S2X-based service dependable access to space with our increase its production run rate and establish offering. Telefónica plans to sell unique capability to offer delivery into a surge capacity in order to meet ongoing wholesale satellite capacity to global precision orbits. customer demand. operators seeking to expand mobile and multiprotocol label switching- Swarm makes the world's lowest-cost MOJO is a significant contributor to Viasat's based services coverage into remote global satellite communications network portfolio of Non-Developmental Item (NDI) areas across Latin and Central for customers in remote locations. offerings leveraging Link 16 communications America. The network will also serve Founded in 2017, the company currently for the U.S. and international defense enterprise-class organizations has 9 satellites in orbit (with its full markets. Viasat's NDI offerings are designed operating throughout the area that constellation of 150 to be deployed by to rapidly deliver next-generation technology require reliable connectivity in every 2021) and has full regulatory approval solutions ahead of the traditional geography. from the FCC to operate commercially. government procurement model by leveraging Viasat's agile development The new DVB-S2X network will operate Momentus LTAN/LTDN options are process and flexible business model. on the iDirect Evolution® platform and particularly useful for Swarm. Beyond will be powered by the iQ 200 and iQ Momentus' ability to deliver Swarm's "The number of MOJO production units Desktop modems, expanding the satellites into optimal altitudes, shipped-to-date in fiscal year 2020 company's overall portfolio of satellite LTAN/LTDN matters to most LEO demonstrates the value of our NDI offerings services. constellation operators including EO, for military customers who require access to IoT, communications and even scientific the most advanced technology solutions to Through Telefónica's new DVB-S2X missions because it enables the assist in immediate mission needs," said network, enterprise businesses will be constellation operators to have passes Ken Peterman, president, Government able to extend their network, bypassing over the exact regions of interest for their Systems, Viasat. "Our MOJO system is the high capital expenditure costs and customers at the desired times of the designed for easy adoption into specialized lengthy implementation timelines day. units like the U.S. Army's Security Force associated with the buildout of other Assistance Brigades and modernization technologies. Many current LEO SSO launches are to efforts like the U.S. Army's Integrated an LTAN between 9 and 10 am which is Tactical Network, which gives military users “The purchase of this new hub is a becoming increasingly congested with access to mobile, secure, high-speed strategic investment as Telefónica satellites. For satellite operators connectivity for enhanced communications looks to transition our broad satellite desiring a different or unique LTAN and cloud-enabled applications across the offerings to DVB-S2X,” said Aldo destination, Momentus can provide the battlespace.” Montalbetti, Director of Satellite option to be delivered to any LTAN +/- 3 Operations, Telefónica. “The Evolution hours from the launch vehicle drop-off The MOJO system is equipped with Viasat's platform helps us meet an increasing LTAN. Small Tactical Terminal, the world's only demand for enterprise services with IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

US Space Force awards AMERGINT interests.” L3Harris Technologies Technologies to SES Networks and $500 million contract for acquire Raytheon OptimERA scale anti-jam satellite Technologies' space- capacity in rural Alaska communications modem based precision optics City under “Stay at business Home” rule The U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has awarded L3Harris Technologies a five-year, $500 AMERGINT Technologies Holdings, Residents, businesses, schools, million ceiling, indefinite delivery, indefinite Inc. has reached a definitive agreement h e a l t h c a r e c l i n i c s a n d o t h e r quantity (IDIQ) contract with an initial to acquire Raytheon Technologies organisations in parts of Alaska can delivery order of $30.6 million for the Air Corporation's space-based precision access city-wide WiFi and broadband Force and Army Anti-jam Modem (A3M). optics business, headquartered in services as always despite increased A3M provides the Department of the Air Danbury, Connecticut (“Danbury”). The network demand due to the recent “Stay Force and Army with a secure, wideband, business, which is part of Collins at Home” rule thanks to OptimERA Inc. anti-jam satellite communications terminal Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies significantly expanding its network modem for tactical satellite communication business unit, is a leading technology capacity with SES Networks. The operations. The contract and order were provider of precision electro-optical Alaskan Internet Service Provider (ISP) received in the first quarter of 2020. systems for National Security Space leveraged SES's NSS-9 satellite missions and defense survivability increased C-band capacity and ramped “With the proliferation and growing needs. u p i t s n e t w o r k s w i t h i n d a y s , sophistication of threats in the underscoring the agility of SES's satellite electromagnetic spectrum, it has become Larry Hill, CEO of AMERGINT services to rapidly address dynamic increasingly important to enhance Technology Holdings, said: “We are connectivity needs nearly anywhere in protected communications capabilities for thrilled to work with Andreas the world, SES announced . the warfighter,” said Dana Mehnert, Nonnenmacher and the team at . President, Communication Systems, Danbury. For as long as the United OptimERA serves the city of Unalaska L3Harris. “The A3M technology solution States has recognized the need to and its surrounding towns and islands, enhances the warfighter's ability to observe the Earth from space, this including world-famous Dutch Harbor, communicate critical data by maintaining business has delivered technological the largest fishing port in the United r e s i l i e n t a n d s e c u r e s a t e l l i t e breakthroughs to do so. We are proud States. Located in the Aleutian Islands, communications in highly congested and to bring together their preeminent Unalaska has the largest full-time contested environments that include the electro-optical capabilities with resident population in Southwest Alaska presence of adversarial jamming.” AMERGINT's next generation solutions as well as many seasonal and part-time for capturing, processing, transporting residents due to the fishing industry. and exploiting mission critical data.” OptimERA started working with SES L3Harris will collaborate with SMC for the Networks in 2017 to provide backbone design, development, fabrication, AMERGINT is a leading provider of capacity so the ISP could serve the integration, certification and testing of Block software-defined technology for residents and businesses of this remote 1 modems for use in the Air Force Ground military, intelligence and commercial location that is 800 miles from the Multiband Terminal and the Army Satellite space. Founded in 2008 by Mark nearest fibre-based network. Transportable Terminal. The jam-resistant McMillen, Randy Culver and Sean modems support SMC's Protected Tactical Conway, AMERGINT delivers next After Alaska's governor issued “stay at Waveform technology, an anti-jam generation solutions to manage the home” guidance to address the COVID- capability operating on military satellite capture, processing, transport and 19 crisis at the start of April, OptimERA communication terminals through the exploitation of vital mission data for recognised the significant impact it would Wideband Global Satcom constellation. communication and data links. have on the residents and businesses of AMERGINT is headquartered in this remote community who would Colorado Springs, Colorado. suddenly be working from home or The L3Harris modems are optimized for unable to go to school or visit local high-rate production and are designed to Robert Basil, Board Member of healthcare providers. It would also become an integral part of the service's AMERGINT, added: “We are proud to dramatically change the volume of traffic growing Protected Anti-Jam Tactical add Raytheon Technologies' storied on its network. Service enterprise. Several airborne and precision-optics franchise to the ground-based platforms and thousands of AMERGINT partnership as we build a “Once the governor issued the stay at terminals across the Department of generational asset that focuses on home order, we got on the phone with Defense have been identified as transition delivering high performance national SES Networks to discuss increasing our candidates to the Protected Tactical security space technologies. There has network capacity. We wanted the Waveform. never been a more important time for flexibility to creatively support our technological advances in national community, including lifting any data security space applications and, caps for students, teachers and together, AMERGINT and Danbury will healthcare workers as well offering a continue to solve our partners' toughest discounted rate to people and challenges to advance and protect U.S. businesses not already connected so IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

they can work remotely,” said Emmett Fitch, have proudly supported since 1972, CEO at OptimERA. and the new United States Space Astroscale U.S. appoints Force,” said Michael LaRouche, Dave Fischer as VP, “With the whole world impacted by this executive vice president and general crisis and our daily routines affected as well, manager of SAIC's National Security Business Development we feel it is even more acute in remote and Group. “We look forward to propelling and Advanced Systems, rural areas so we wanted to quickly step up SMC's vision with emerging technology to the plate for our community so that we all and enabling the United States Space and David Hebert as are connected beyond our houses.” Force to focus on the mission.” Director of Under the EDIS contract, SAIC will The additional capacity provided to support SMC DCIO in its mission to Communications OptimERA has enabled people in Unalaska operate and sustain an affordable to take advantage of online resources to Ground System Enterprise (GSE) for Astroscale U.S. Inc., announced that Dave stay connected with work, students and r e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t , Fischer and David Hebert, two teachers to work on distance learning demonstration, and operational experienced and highly respected space programs, and patients to do video calls missions. with the healthcare staff at the local clinic to industry professionals, will join the Astroscale U.S. management team. discuss symptoms or issues they are The GSE includes the Multi-Mission Fischer joins the company as Vice experiencing, which is especially critical Satellite Operations Center command President of Business Development and now with COVID-19. and control ground system architecture, Advanced Systems, and Hebert joins as as well as equipment, systems, and Director of Communications with “Now more than ever, networks are playing facilities. Development of Enterprise appointments effective as of March 2020. a key role in seamlessly connecting us to Ground Services (EGS) is one of the the people and content we need the most, m a j o r c o m p o n e n t s o f S p a c e Fischer joins Astroscale with over 30 years whether it's a student asking a teacher a Warfighting Construct (SWC) and is of experience in business and technology question, a patient talking to a healthcare intended to provide the standardized management. Most recently, he was provider about symptoms, a worker hardware capacity and service oriented Director of Business Development for collaborating on a project or simply video architecture (SOA) software platform RUAG Space USA. Prior to that, Fischer calling a friend or family,” said Omar Trujillo, required to perform tracking, telemetry, held several management roles in Vice President of Sales, Fixed Data, and commanding (TT&C), contact business development and strategic Americas at SES Networks. “We are glad scheduling, and cyber defense development with Ball Aerospace. that we are able to provide this additional functions for Space Force user Throughout his career, he has focused on connectivity service to OptimERA and their missions. The EDIS acquisition is one developing trusted relationships and customers in such a short time and be the contractual mechanism to continue innovative business partnerships. reliable connectivity provider they are in prototyping and pathfinding for the need of.” EGS-related SWC initiatives. Hebert comes to Astroscale from The Aerospace Corporation where he most The company will conduct systems SAIC awarded $655 r e c e n t l y s e r v e d a s S e n i o r engineering, planning, and system Communications Strategist for policy, and million U.S. Air Force modifications; build and modify data civil and commercial systems. His nearly centers; integrate mission unique 20 years of experience includes strategic engineering software and applications from various communications, public engagement and stakeholders to produce operational development integration content development. Hebert brings satellite ground systems; sustain experience in managing congressional sustainment contract ground systems; and, perform system and government communications; he also administration and cybersecurity held management roles at The MITRE functions. Engility Services, LLC., a subsidiary of Corporation and the U.S. Geological Science Applications International Corp., Survey. This post-protest contract follows the was awarded a $655 million award to original EDIS award from Jan. 31, 2019, provide systems engineering, planning, Fischer and Hebert will play leading roles which came on the heels of SAIC's integration and sustainment services to the i n e x p a n d i n g A s t r o s c a l e U . S . ' completed acquisition of Engility as part U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems collaboration and engagement with of its strategy to expand its space Center (SMC) Innovation and Prototyping partners, potential clients and other groups services portfolio. Directorate through the Engineering, in the commercial and government space D e v e l o p m e n t , I n t e g r a t i o n , a n d and technology communities. Fischer will The single-award indefinite-delivery, Sustainment (EDIS) contract. SAIC will help ?lead the company's exploration of indefinite-quantity contract has a five- work with SMC to modernize satellite new opportunities to fulfill its mission of year base period of performance and a ground systems for the United States making ?space sustainability a reality. two-year option period, and the work will Space Force (USSF) operations, research Hebert will drive positioning, perception be performed primarily at Buckley Air and development and demonstration and brand strategy for the company. Force Base in Aurora, Colorado; missions. Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado “In the next few years, space sustainability Springs, Colorado; and Kirtland Air “SAIC is dedicated to achieving resiliency will become common practice as our Force Base in Albuquerque, New and ensuring performance of critical U.S. talented team fosters greater awareness Mexico. national security and civil space about the need for safety in space and enterprises. This contract expands our drives growth in this market,” said Ron relationship with the Air Force, which we Lopez, President and Managing Director IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

of Astroscale U.S. “Dave and David bring Services Officer Mike DeMarco. “I want adjacent band operations, including the strength to Astroscale as we expand our t o t h a n k N o r t h r o p G r u m m a n , Global Positioning System (GPS), are presence in the U.S. market, and these two SpaceLogistics and our valued Intelsat protected from harmful interference. key appointments represent the momentum customers, who put their trust in us to Astroscale U.S. is gaining as we pursue our successfully execute this historic “After many years of consideration, it is mission to develop sustainability of the mission. As commercial space-servicing time for the FCC to make a decision and orbital highways.” technology progresses, Intelsat looks bring this proceeding to a close,” said Since its establishment in ?April? 2019, forward to pioneering new applications in Chairman Pai. “We have compiled an Astroscale U.S. has made key additions to support of our customers' continued extensive record, which confirms that it its management team including Dr. Clare success.” is in the public interest to grant Ligado's Martin, Senior Vice President of Programs application while imposing stringent and Operations and Charity Weeden, Vice “Our partnership with Intelsat was critical conditions to prevent harmful President of Global Space Policy. The to delivering this innovative satellite interference. The draft order that I have management team brings decades of technology into operation,” said Tom presented to my colleagues would make experience in business development, Wilson, vice president, Northrop more efficient use of underused operations, policy and communications in Grumman Space Systems and spectrum and promote the deployment the aerospace industry. This expertise president, SpaceLogistics, LLC. “This of 5G and Internet of Things services. positions Astroscale U.S. to work with historic event, highlighted by the first in- “Although I appreciate the concerns that satellite operators, government, and orbit rendezvous and docking of two have been raised by certain Executive regulatory and legislative bodies to meet commercial satellites and the Branch agencies, it is the Commission's the challenges of orbital sustainability. subsequent repositioning of the two- duty to make an independent spacecraft stack, demonstrates the determination based on sound business value that MEV offers to engineering. And based on the customers. Now that MEV-1 has painstaking technical analysis done by Intelsat 901 Satellite successfully delivered on its mission to our expert staff, I am convinced that the returns to service using place the Intelsat 901 satellite back into conditions outlined in this draft order operational service, we will continue to would permit Ligado to move forward Northrop Grumman's pioneer the future of on-orbit servicing without causing harmful interference. mission extension through our multi-year technology For example, the draft order would roadmap leading to additional services authorize downlink operations at a vehicle such as inspection, assembly and power level that represents a greater repair.” than 99% reduction from what Ligado Intelsat 901 has returned to service proposed in its 2015 application.” following the successful docking with the Under the terms of the contract, Northrop first Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) Grumman and SpaceLogistics will In recent years, Ligado has amended its from Northrop Grumman Corporation and provide five years of life extension application to significantly reduce the the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, services to IS-901 before returning the power levels of its base stations from 32 SpaceLogistics LLC, on February 25 – the spacecraft to a final decommissioned dBW to 9.8 dBW (a reduction of 99.3%). first time that two commercial spacecraft orbit. MEV-1 will then be available to Ligado has also committed to providing a docked in geostationary orbit. provide additional mission extension significant (23 megahertz) guard-band services for new clients including orbit using its own licensed spectrum to Since the February rendezvous, MEV-1 has raising, inclination corrections and further separate its terrestrial base assumed navigation of the combined inspections. Intelsat has already also station transmissions from neighboring spacecraft stack reducing its inclination by contracted with Northrop Grumman for a operations in the Radionavigation- 1.6° and relocating IS-901 to its new orbital second MEV (MEV-2) to service Intelsat Satellite Service allocation. location. Intelsat then transitioned roughly 1002 satellite later this year. 30 of its commercial and government U.S. Space Command customers to the satellite on April 2. The Chairman Pai circulates transition of service took approximately six stays with LinQuest for hours. IS-901 is now operating at the draft order to approve continued support 332.5°E orbital slot and providing full Ligado's application to service to Intelsat customers. facilitate 5G and LinQuest Corporation announced that it Intelsat views life-extension services, like Internet Of Things was recently awarded a $14 million MEV technology, as a cost-effective and contract to extend the company's efficient way to minimize service Services support to U.S. Space Command disruptions, enhance the overall flexibility of (USSPACECOM) through April 21, its satellite fleet and better support the 2021. evolving needs of its customers. Federal Communications Commission "We are very pleased to have been Chairman Ajit Pai circulated to his selected to continue supporting Gen. “With a focus on providing the best colleagues a draft order that would Raymond and USSPACECOM in this customer experience in our industry, approve with conditions Ligado's effort," said Greg Young, COO, Intelsat is proud to have pioneered this application to deploy a low-power LinQuest. "We look forward to continuing innovative first with Northrop Grumman. We terrestrial nationwide network in the L- the outstanding level of support we have see increased demand for our connectivity Band that would primarily support 5G provided since the command was services around the world, and preserving and Internet of Things services. This reestablished." our customers' experience using innovative draft order would both promote more In April 2019, LinQuest was awarded a technology such as MEV-1 is helping us efficient and effective use of our nation's $9.2 million contract to assist Gen. John meet that need,” said Intelsat Chief spectrum resources and ensure that R a y m o n d , t h e C o m m a n d e r o f IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

USSPACECOM, stand up the 11th operators a new and cost-effective option benefit by staying connected while off combatant command. Now that the one- to expand their networks.” the grid,” said Dave Kagan, CEO of year contract is ending, LinQuest will Globalstar. “We are proud to announce provide non-personal services to Designed to provide wireless coverage this new partnership and look forward to accomplish the necessary functions to for soldiers or first responders, the new future collaborations in the years to continue the development of the Hughes HeloCellTM Solution integrates come.” USSPACECOM as directed by the VNC's LTE technology with the Hughes President of the United States. Work will HeloSatTM Solution, which provides "Expanding the Jeep brand's licensing be performed in Colorado at Peterson Air B e y o n d - L i n e - o f - S i g h t ( B L o S ) portfolio to now include Globalstar Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base. communications on rotary-wing aircraft. extends the brand's ability to offer its For military and emergency applications, customers endless opportunities to the Hughes and VNC technologies pursue their adventures once the road Flexible Satellite and combine to form an “airborne cell tower” ends, in a connected and safe manner,” when installed aboard a helicopter or an said Kim Adams House, Head of LTE Solutions expand Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Licensing and Merchandising, FCA. solution provides an extended cellular The partnership is expected to drive addressable markets for coverage radius of tens of kilometers, consumer awareness of SPOT through mobile operators with the satellite terminal backhauling the cross-promotional opportunities while mobile traffic to and from the network exploring new distribution channels. core. The solution can also scale to SPOT expects to have these products Hughes partnership to extend mobile support more than 100 simultaneous available in all their distribution channels connectivity to helicopters and UAVs, active users on a single, layered system starting in 2Q 2020. i n c l u d i n g B e y o n d - L i n e - o f - S i g h t architecture. Communications. Hughes, in partnership with Virtual Network Communications, “Adaptable for rotary-wing aircraft and Inc. (VNC), will create new solutions to UAVs, the HeloCell Solution is ideal for Envistacom awarded extend mobile network connectivity to extending mobile connectivity in a $11 million order to support various global applications for disaster area or warzone,” said Wayne government, militaries, first responders, Marhefka, senior director of business support U.S. Army and commercial Mobile Network development for Hughes Defense Global Tactical Operators (MNOs). The joint solutions will Division. “Together with VNC, Hughes integrate VNC's deployable LTE can extend connectivity to soldiers and Advanced technology with Hughes JUPITERTM and first response teams who need wireless Communications HM satellite systems. communications to carry out their missions, especially in remote and Systems “We're excited to work with Hughes to help disconnected environments. Integrated expand high speed 4G services cost- with our innovative JUPITER System Envistacom, LLC, announced it was effectively in underserved parts of the technology, these new cellular awarded a $11 million task order to world, as well as provide a tactical edge for capabilities will help the DoD build a provide satellite communications military and first responders,” said Mohan layered and unified communications systems through the U.S. Army Global Tammisetti, chief executive officer of VNC. network architecture for faster and more- Tactical Advanced Communications “VNC developed this innovative, edge- informed decision-making.” centric approach to positively impact lives Systems (GTACS) contract, an indefinite and keep critical missions connected. delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) Additionally, a new 5G solution is on our SPOT announces new agreement that accelerates the development roadmap and we look licensing partnership acquisition of hardware, software, forward to integrating it with the Hughes services and data in support of the U.S. JUPITER platform.” with the Jeep® Brand Army. As a GTACS prime contractor, The VNC LTE technology can be SPOT, LLC, announced a licensing deal Envistacom will design, engineer, install integrated with the JUPITER System to with the Jeep® brand. As part of an effort and commission two SATCOM earth backhaul mobile traffic, enabling MNOs to to expand its footprint in the overland terminals to support theater reachback quickly and cost-effectively provide 4G adventure market, Globalstar is communications. These new terminals access to people in areas unserved or developing an exclusive new line of Jeep provide additional capacity and underserved by terrestrial connectivity— and SPOT™ co-branded products. resilience for all service branches in especially in remote and hard-to-reach support of missions and exercises within areas. In tests, the integrated solution sent SPOT offers off-road enthusiasts and the theater. The scope of work includes 4G LTE traffic to the core network at back-country adventurers' critical the preparation of the sites (civil works) speeds of 200 Mbps. connectivity in remote areas of the world. a s w e l l a s t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n , “An economically efficient way for mobile Products include emergency response commissioning, training and support of network operators to reach new and international S.O.S. services, giving the systems. customers is by backhauling 4G LTE peace of mind to hundreds of thousands “Envistacom is proud to partner with the traffic over satellite in areas where it's too of users globally. To date, SPOT has US Army and the US Navy on this e x p e n s i v e t o b u i l d t e r r e s t r i a l achieved over 7,000 rescues, in more important program. It will enhance infrastructure,” said Vinay Patel, senior than 100 countries. communications operations to better director, International Division at Hughes. meet dynamic mission and training “Now, we can offer VNC's innovative 4G “The Jeep brand is one of the most demands,” said Alan Carson, President, LTE technology integrated with our recognized in off-roading with Envistacom. “We are proud the Hughes JUPITER System to offer enthusiasts who often transition to hiking Department of Defense recognizes our and mountain climbing, all of which would broad SATCOM expertise and our ability IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

to execute programs anywhere in the Cobham SATCOM and Inmarsat have collaboration between Cobham and world.” announced the type approval of two new Inmarsat. With the EXPLORER 323 ideal land satellite terminals. The low-profile f o r v e h i c u l a r t r a c k i n g a n d vehicular Cobham EXPLORER 323 communications and the EXPLORER IBM and Cloud BGAN terminal and the auto-point 'fly- 6075 optimised for high-bandwidth away' Cobham EXPLORER 6075LX operations, both terminals improve upon Constellation VSAT terminal are now fully operational their predecessors and are set to make Corporation on the Inmarsat network with commercial ultra-reliable connectivity easier to access s h i p m e n t s o f e a c h b e g i n n i n g in the remotest areas, wherever it is Demonstrate Edge immediately. needed most.”

Computing in Space The new EXPLORER 323 terminal Todd McDonell, President of Inmarsat Using Machine Learning represents the first class 12, Global Government, added: “These two electronically steerable terminal for use new terminals from Cobham prove that Services On on Inmarsat's L-band Broadband Global there continues to be innovation occurring SpaceBelt™ Satellite Area Network (BGAN). It combines the in both our L-band and Global Xpress slimmest form factor of any vehicular networks. For government users the Hardware BGAN terminal with a number of new 6075LX (or GX6075) provides a fast to set innovative features and sets a new up, easy to use, automatic acquisition standard in robustness due to its lack of broadband terminal ideal for first IBM's mission is to be the most trusted moving parts. In conjunction with technology partner of the 21st century, responders who need to access Inmarsat's highly reliable network, communications at a scene quickly. In and Cloud Constellation Corporation's offering up to 99.9% uptime, it promises mission with SpaceBelt™ is to offer a addition the EXPLORER 323 provides a n e w s t a n d a r d i n m o b i l e government users a way to maintain on portfolio of cloud services on the most communications to organisations secure cloud infrastructure. Our the move connectivity regardless of the operating in remote locations across a situation. combined strategy of a hybrid IBM- wide array of industries. SpaceBelt™ cloud infrastructure will When fixed networks become disabled or provide enterprise organizations the The class 12 terminal features speeds of strongest security for their cloud services degraded, due to events such as natural up to 384kbps, support for BGAN (data disasters, the EXPLORER 323 provides requirements in a seamless, global cloud and voice) and BGAN M2M (data) environment an ideal, low profile system for routing operations, and an integrated antenna radio and data connectivity and can be . and receiver, meaning only a rooftop unit Working with our satellite edge computing integrated with the emergency services' is needed. Additionally, the EXPLORER existing radio and data networks. We technology partner Ramon.Space, we 323 has an integrated WiFi Hotspot for recently achieved an important milestone thank Cobham for bringing these products setup, management and data access. to market. We believe that they will help to where we presented to IBM the results of Developed to integrate seamlessly with our benchmarking project for Machine deliver new capability for a number of Cobham's PRISM PTT+ offering, the government departments and agencies.” Learning applications hosted on our 1st EXPLORER 323 will enable telemetry g e n e r a t i o n s a t e l l i t e h a r d w a r e . and voice communications as well as Benchmarking the VGG-13 Model other uses in remote rail operations, Comtech announces performance on our SpaceBelt™ utilities, mining, aid and NGO operations, moves strengthening its hardware demonstrates it is a scalable, agriculture, public safety and emergency secure and user-friendly platform for response. Executive Management highly secure services and mission- Team specific ML applications for commercial, Inmarsat has also approved the new government and military organizations. auto-point 'fly-away' 0.75m Cobham B a s i c a l l y, a n e x t e n s i o n o f a n EXPLORER 6075LX VSAT terminal for C o m t e c h Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s organization's enterprise network. its high-speed Ka-band Global Xpress Corp.announced the promotion of Mark service. The new terminal offers the most Toppenberg and Jeff Harig, each to Co- Seamless hybrid cloud is at the core of reliable and stable connection in its class President of Comtech's Tempe, Arizona- IBMs strategy for its enterprise and features a simplified design, based subsidiary, Comtech EF Data customers. Accordingly, a roadmap to enhanced usability, quick setup and Corp., the promotion of Mark Schmeichel support a portfolio of IBM cloud services, built-in WiFi. With a dynamic auto- to President of its Santa Clara, California- on a SpaceBelt™ OpenShift cloud pointing correction the terminal based subsidiary, Comtech Xicom infrastructure is central to our joint go to maintains its connection even in windy Technology, Inc. and the appointment of market strategy. conditions or when pushed or moved, Michael Plourde as Comtech's Vice optimising its connection constantly. The President Global Engineering and EXPLORER 6075LX also features a Programs. These changes are intended to considerable reduction in weight versus strengthen the leadership and drive long- the EXPLORER 5075GX for greater term revenue growth of Comtech's Cobham EXPLORER portability and will support high- satellite earth station solution product bandwidth applications in broadcasting, lines. 323 and EXPLORER resilience and field-office operation. In commenting on these changes, Fred 6075LX terminals Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Kornberg, Chairman of the Board and Enterprise, commented: “We are proud Chief Executive Officer of Comtech receive Inmarsat type to offer these two game-changing Telecommunications Corp., stated, “Mark approval terminals to our partners and customers. Toppenberg, Jeff Harig and Mark Their launch follows an important period Schmeichel have all been terrific of industry consultation, innovation and contributors to our business for many IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

years. Their promotions express our brewed hand sanitizer made by the These new features address the shift in strong confidence in their abilities to facilities, materials engineering, and network demand currently being capitalize on long-term market dynamics health and safety teams “complies with experienced by enterprises globally, as shaping the satellite industry. In addition, I CDC guidelines and is effective at killing many are adjusting to the new normal of am pleased to welcome Mr. Plourde to the COVID-19.” The face shields are being mass remote working and additional Company. Mike is a well-known and manufactured by the same team that devices connecting to their already highly-regarded leader in the satellite builds space suits and crew equipment. stretched networks earth station field and will work with all of So far, engineers made up to 75 masks our subsidiaries on important strategic over the weekend and donated them to This shift to remote working means that initiatives to help grow Comtech's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los enterprises' demand for VoIP-enabled business with both commercial and Angeles, according to the email. The networks solutions is higher than ever. government customers.” team also donated 100 Tyvek coverall Having an SD WAN enabled VoIP suits to medical staff there. Neither network allows businesses to optimise Jeff Harig has been with Comtech EF Data Cedars-Sinai Medical Center nor their network and voice infrastructures Corp. since 1994 and most recently was SpaceX immediately responded to a for a superior virtual meeting experience. Senior Vice President of Government request for comment about the Colt SD WAN identifies mission-critical Systems since 2015. Mr. Harig holds a donations. VoIP traffic from VoIP applications in a MSEE degree from the University of customers' network, prioritising this Missouri-Rolla and a BSEE from Michigan The memo also addresses ways that the traffic for improved reliability and Technological University. company is helping out its employees performance. When paired with Colt SIP during the pandemic. For example, all Trunking, Colt offers customers VoIP Mark Toppenberg has been with Comtech food outlets at SpaceX sites are cutting optimisation with Mean Opinion Score EF Data Corp. since 1997 and most their food prices in half, and the (MoS) based dynamic traffic steering at recently was Senior Vice President of company is now letting hourly no extra cost Global Sales since 2015. Mr. Toppenberg employees scan their badges to clock . holds a BSBA degree from Northern their hours rather than use a fingerprint Arizona University and an MBA from the scanner. Colt is also one of the first network T h u n d e r b i r d S c h o o l o f G l o b a l SpaceX claims its hand sanitizer service providers offering an SD WAN Management at Arizona State University. “complies with CDC guidelines and is solution with global support for IPv6. Mark Schmeichel has been with Comtech effective at killing COVID-19.” Each new device that joins an enterprise Xicom Technology, Inc. since 2014 and network requires a unique IP address, held the title of Senior Vice President and Colt launches VoIP and IPv4 addresses are limited. Colt SD General Manager. Mr. Schmeichel holds a WAN with dual IPv4 and IPv6 stack BS degree in Mechanical Engineering optimisation and support gives customers the flexibility to from Northern Illinois University. support for IPv6 via its design their WANs with IPv4 today, while future-proofing their network and Michael Plourde has 30 years of SD WAN platform avoiding expensive costs when they later experience in the satellite ground station Maxar Technologies has signed $20 switch to Ipv6 systems industry. Most recently, Mr. million in contracts with the U.S. . Plourde was a member of Globecomm National Geospatial-Intelligence Systems' executive leadership team, Agency (NGA) to deliver land cover Peter Coppens, Vice President Product responsible for the global engineering and classification and change detection Portfolio, Colt Technology Services, operations functions of that company. Mr. services through a combination of the says: “As enterprises around the world Plourde holds a BSEE from Worcester Janus Geography program and the adjust to this new way of working, they Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, General Services Administration's IT require networks and products that can Massachusetts. Schedule 70. adapt as quickly as they are having to. Maxar will produce updates and These new SD WAN capabilities will help SpaceX is making its enhancements using its sophisticated businesses stay connected during this change detection model and deliver time, as well as help them future-proof own hand sanitizer and land cover and classification solutions in their networks for the months and years building face shields to support of NGA's needs. Automated ahead change detection visually exposes . donate to fight areas of important change, enabling coronavirus rapid and effective intelligence “At Colt, we have taken great pride in gathering across thousands of images doing all that we can to keep our from multiple sources. Land cover customers connected during this SpaceX is manufacturing its own hand classification provides a global view of unprecedented time, and these offerings sanitizer and face shields with plans to the current landscape by applying are a further extension of that drive to donate the materials to hospitals and machine learning to perform automated e n a b l e c u s t o m e r s ' d i g i t a l places in need to help fight the novel spectral, spatial and temporal transformations, regardless of how coronavirus pandemic, according to an classification, enabling a better quickly they have had to shift focus.” internal memo. The company also plans to understanding of how specific regions of host a voluntary blood drive at its Earth are being used on a micro scale. headquarters in Hawthorne, California, Technology Services has announced and is looking into setting up drives at the launch of two new features other SpaceX locations. underpinned by its SD WAN platform; VoIP optimisation and support for IPv6. SpaceX employees, claims that the home-

AFRICA

With advert placement, you support the publication of this magazine in Africa. Advertising in Spacewatchafrica will offer your institution/organisation a cost-effective platform to reach your potential clients and business partners. We offer you exclusive contact with your business partners, government officials, academic and industry sectors.

SPACEWATCHAFRICA MAGAZINE MOST CURRENT ADVERTISEMENT RATES

4-color Advertising Rates Colour Dimension Back Cover Full Page $3,000 9.5” x 13” Inside Back Cover Full Page $2,000 9.5” x 13” Inside Front Cover Full Page $2,000 9.5” x 13” Inside Full Page $2,300 9.5” x 13” Inside Half Page $1.250 4.75”x 13” Double Spread $5,000 Special page 2(inside front cover) and 3 $6,000 Two adjoining centre page $5,000 Front page earpiece $1,500 (One third) $750 4.75” x 6.5” Special Report (including editorial) $3,000 Full cover page spotlight (special) $15,000

Advertisement placements on African Satellite Communications Yearbook attracts discounted rates, 20% off the above rates.

Hurry now and book your advert on Spacewatchafrica (onine and hard copy edition) as well as the African Satellite Communications Yearbook and benefit from the industry lowest rates while helping your organization reach the widest audience possible across Africa, middle east and beyond.

An additional 30% discount off the advertising rates above will be given to an advertiser who reserves for a minimum of six months (6 advertisements) or more.

All dimensions are listed as width by depth in millimeters (mm). Build pages to trim size and if bleed, extend dimensions beyond page edge by 10mm. Keep live matter 6mm from trim size. Preferred file formats are EPS, JPG or PDF.

For placement enquiries, please email us at [email protected], or call +2348036471114, 7084706167