SANSA and the rise of space exploration in South Africa

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No78 N N 55 oo5.. 5 June 2018 2020

AFRICA

Nigeria

SPECIAL REPORT The future of digital learning in Africa

C O N T E N T S Vol. 8 No. 5

China-funded satellite television project benefits 1,000 villages in Mozambique Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello BBC World News and SES extend HD deal to ASTRA 19.2 Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald degrees East SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey SES posted solid Q1 financial results Head, Application Services M. Yakubu Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel The state of public sector connectivity Usman Bello WHO offering COVID-19 tracking app to governments worldwide Alozie Nwankwo Gogo sees IFC growth amid COVID-19 setbacks Juliet Nnamdi Client Relations Sunday Tache SANSA and the future of space exploration in South Africa Lookman Bello ITU launches Innovation Challenges 2020 Safiya Thani Nigeria broadband penetration hits 39.58% Marketing Offy Pat Tunde Nathaniel Spacecom, Comtech Corp. demonstrate Wasiu Olatunde 1.3 Gigabit C-band link over AMOS-17 Media Relations Favour Madu Mining industry embraces IoT revolution Khadijat Yakubu Avanti Communications provides COVID-19 response to Zacheous Felicia Niger government Finance Folarin Tunde Eutelsat's HOTBIRD to launch first HD African travel channel The future of digital learning in Africa Angkie Yudistia: Leading Entrepreneur in IT Business Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should 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]

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1

Editorial

Opening up education initiative

About half a century ago, when Sir Arthur infrastructure is the major impediments to faculties into a distributive eLearning Clark forecasted the birth of satellite based qualitative education. In the last 20 years, programme. Previously, the average yearly communications, many people at that time Nigerian Higher Educational Institutions enrolment in maths courses is over 1500; considered it as science fiction. Today, have experienced staggering increases too large to hold in one lecture hall while however, it is no longer science fiction, but in student population, while working with inadequate staff strength prevents splitting science fact. Not only are satellites typically inadequate resources. Many institutions up into small enough groups for meaningful used for applications like radio and have continued to rely on outdated staff-student interaction, according to e- television broadcasts, but also, the use of course materials and old instructional learning consultant. In addition to the satellite today has evolved to high-tech perspectives that are damaging shortage of teachers and lecture rooms, science fiction genre class applications such institutional prestige. The best and there are serious inadequacies with current as long range video and audience brightest are rejecting local institutions in books, office accommodation, and surveillance, thermal imaging and even preference for overseas training and laboratory facilities. In the university, these meteorological tracking. o p p o r t u n i t i e s . N i g e r i a n H i g h e r problems are most significant in the Educational Institutions are mostly losing Faculties of Medical and Natural Sciences. If Sir Arthur Clark were still around today, he the most valuable national resources. In order to address these inadequacies, the would see remote schools, where Entrepreneurs and professionals are Department of Mathematics received computers in a local areas network are taking the Higher Educational Institutions international financial support to initiate, linked back through specialised satellite less seriously. sustain, and grow its e-learning efforts. transceivers up through the T-18 satellite, and then back down to the earth stations and Against this background, Nigerian Higher As technology evolves so has eLearning. VSAT base band equipment at SMART's Educational Institutions have move to Despite its modest means, the university of Network Operations Centre. embrace change and make the paradigm jos Nigeria emerged a leading ICT st shift into 21 century education. The University in Nigeria. It can boast of only The resulting service provided a close fit to teaching paradigm is changing for online 1500 systems for a population of 15000 the educational requirements, allowing not instruction, away from the traditional students. The faculty based student-run only a timely deployment schedule, but also lecture format. The online or eLearning computer laboratories and library computer a cost effective classical IP-based environment as it popularly called facilities have enhanced the chances for connectivity services for schools in these appeals to a broader range of individual students' engagement with these limited rural and remote areas. learning styles than does classroom resources. A small but increasing number of instruction and makes it easier for students and staff own laptops. The One company that has demonstrated the individuals to participate in learning mathematics department is acquiring 72 impact of satellite technologies in education activities. New technologies are making tablet PCs to improve student access. The is Gilat Satcom as it has already launched a information access and learning possible University of Jos has successfully managed Digital Classroom in A Box, the e-learning in ways that previously did not exist. With the cultural shift necessary to stimulate e- component of its Smart village programme. the current technology infusion within learning in a virtual school house. The programme provides Internet, VoIP, and teaching and learning, the very notion of a video over IP using an affordable private course or a classroom are issues of In creating local digital content, the satellite network, with prices for connectivity current debate. University of Jos has leaped frog by going for individual villagers starting from US$1 Africa's educational experts have through the fundamental phases in minimal per month. The system consists of a fully- e m b r a c e d I n f o r m a t i o n a n d time, rather than eliminating them. Digitising insulated and decorated shipping container Communication Technology as a tool for notes, identifying the deficiencies and powered by solar energy with VSAT institutional renewal, such as new energy, remedying them provide a natural lead to connectivity, a 500m radius Wi-Fi router, a fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of blended e-learning. Digitising notes in management and billing system, projector, discovery and innovation to address the Nigerian Higher Educational Institution has sound system and microphone, computers lacks, become relevant, survives, and other positive benefits as sale of handouts and tablets, tables and chairs grows. The power of ICT to connect and accessibility to teaching materials have . teachers and learners to the knowledge been problematic to the extent that a union “Gilat Satcom's Digital Classroom in A Box they need wherever that knowledge has a national document on the issue. was extremely well-received because it exists is now being harnessed by the Distance education/e-learning potentially provides a complete solution. Content can educational institutions. Schools have will improve Africa's educational standard. easily be emailed through to teachers whilst witnessed a departure from existing First, the human networks required to drive our high-speed satellite connection enables norms and practices, as the incorporation technological networks are now being high quality video-conferencing,” said Gilat of new technologies for blended e- nurtured through team teaching. Satcom's CMO and Head of Business learning prepares our institutions for local Development, Eran Yoran. While the Digital content creation as well as for Open and In addition to its various institutional Classroom in A Box can be connected with Distance Learning. benefits, "Distance Learning has also been any e-learning platform, Gilat Satcom has described as a money saver. The biggest joined forces with Intelitek to provide an e- While envisioning the goal of distance savings, though, is time. The three biggest learning platform to meet the needs of education/eLearning programme, the benefits to Distance Learning are the time Africa's rural communities with a large University of Jos, North Central Nigeria saved, keeping students in their hostels number of ready-to-use syllabuses. has successfully turn around the fortunes while they are learning, and the ability to Nowhere does the two-sided nature of of its Mathematics Department that runs educate more students at one time.” distance education come into play more heavily subscribed compulsory first year directly than in Africa where inadequate courses for students of all science-based

5 APPOINTMENTS

ST Engineering defense through the centers spread across Telespazio, a joint venture between Nigeria. Dr. Chizea will also represents Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%). In 2016 appoints new director, Nigeria within the continent and several he became the CEO of eGeos, an ASI other international organizations. (20%) and Telespazio (80%) company, an Ms. May Ng established international leader in the Earth Observation and Geo-Spatial Information, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd Arqiva Announces the and, in his role, Chairman of GAF and announced the appointment of Ng Bee EarthLab Luxembourg. Bee, May as an independent non- Appointment of Paul executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 June 2020. Donovan as CEO latakoo expands as Ivo Guilini Appointed Sales Ms May Ng, 52 is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pan-United Arqiva Group Ltd announced that Paul Director for EMEA Corporation Ltd (Pan-United), the largest Donovan has been appointed Chief local ready-mixed concrete and cement Executive Officer with immediate effect. Region supplier that supplies to major Paul Donovan has over twenty years' l infrastructure projects like Changi Airport experience in senior executive roles across latakoo, a leading video transfer and Terminal 5 and LTA MRT lines and private t h e t e c h n o l o g y , m e d i a a n d workflow company offering a cloud-based developments like Guoco Towers. She telecommunications sectors. He is currently platform that is the fastest, easiest and was previously the Executive Director non-executive Director on Arqiva's Board most secure way to get video from from January 2004 to February 2011. Ms and has previously been CEO of Odeon and anywhere to anywhere, regardless of Ng sits on the boards of several UCI Cinemas Group and, before that, CEO connectivity or file size, announces the subsidiaries in the Pan-United group. She of eir, Ireland's leading telecommunications appointment of Ivo Guilini as Sales Director is also the Chairman of Mercatus Co- business. He was also a member of the for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) operative Ltd and a director of NTUC Group's Executive Committee at Vodafone region. latakoo is currently expanding its Enterprise Co-operative Ltd. Ms Ng holds where he led the Group's emerging markets video transfer and workflow product a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from businesses. Paul Donovan succeeds portfolio to support production companies the University of Western Ontario, Simon Beresford-Wylie who has been Chief as well as its traditional broadcast Canada. The Board of Directors Executive Officer since August 2015. production customer base. welcomes Ms May Ng to the Board and During Simon Beresford-Wylie's tenure as Ivo Guilini, based in Belgium, will oversee look forward to her contributions. CEO he has simplified the business and the direction of all sales and marketing successfully driven year on year activities in the EMEA region. Ivo Guilini improvement in both revenue (four year was previously Director of Sales, Northern CAGR of 3.9% to £999.5m last financial Europe for Ross Video coordinating sales Francis Chizea year) and EBITDA (CAGR of 5.9% to and marketing efforts in Northern Europe becomes NASRDA’s £526.4m in 2019). Paul Donovan's including the Nordics, Benelux, UK and appointment is with immediate effect. He Ireland. Prior to this, Ivo was a channel Chief Executive will work with Simon Beresford-Wylie over manager for Avid Technology handling the coming months to ensure a smooth and direct sales and channel sales for non- orderly transition. Simon will formally leave The National Space Research and linear digital media product. Ivo began his Arqiva on the 30 June 2020. Development Agency, NASRDA has career as a manager in the multimedia unit announced the appointment of Dr. Francis for DM&S. Chizea as the acting Director General and Massimo Claudio chief executive of the space agency. His Astroscale UK appoints appointment follows the retirement of the Comparini Appointed Jonathan Angulu, the erstwhile chief as Deputy CEO at Kumar Singarajah as executive who retires recently after spending 35 years in the service of the Thales Alenia Space Director of Government space agency. Before his appointment, & Regulatory Affairs Dr. Chizea was the Director of planning, and CEO of Thales research and project at the Nigeria's Alenia Space Italia A s t r o s c a l e h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e space agency. strengthening of its management team with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture the appointment of Kumar Singarajah as The National Space Research and between Thales (67%) and Leonardo Director of Government & Regulatory Development Agency (NASRDA) was (33%), announced the appointment of Affairs (UK & Europe) effective 23 March charged, at establishment, with the Massimo Claudio Comparini as Deputy 2020. Kumar joins with 30 years experience mandate to consolidate all Space Science CEO and Senior Executive Vice President in senior positions in the space and and Technology related activities in order Observation, Exploration and Navigation telecommunications sectors with t o m a k e a g r e a t e r i m p a c t o n Business Line at Thales Alenia Space as c o m p a n i e s s u c h a s A v a n t i developmental efforts in Nigeria. The well as CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia, C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , I C O G l o b a l Agency's mandate stated that "it shall with immediate effect. He succeeds to Communications, Global, Inmarsat and pursue the development and application Donato Amoroso. Massimo Claudio SES ASTRA. He is the current chair of the of space science application and Comparini, former CEO at eGeos since j o i n t t e c h u k / U K s p a c e S a t e l l i t e technology for the socio-economic 2016 and Director Line of Business Geo Telecommunications Committee and a benefits of the nation". Information at Telespazio, has a long and faculty member of the London Institute of As the Director General and Chief proven track record in space industry, from Space Policy and Law. In his new role, executive of the National Space Research technology to services, and in the earth Kumar will lead governmental, regulatory and Development Agency, NASRDA, he observation domain. He started his career and space policy matters with UK and will be responsible for proposing and in 1983 at Selenia Spazio (later Alenia European government organisations and implementing space policy in Nigeria in all Spazio), holding various management will work closely with John Auburn, Chief a s p e c t s , A s t r o n o m y, s c i e n c e s , positions, up to the role of Chief Technology Commercial Officer and Managing Director, observation, telecommunications, Officer. In 2013 he was appointed CTO of UK, as well as the Global Policy team. IN THE NEWS

China-funded satellite Vodacom signs up with Loon to deliver television project 4G-by-balloon to Mozambique benefits 1,000 villages in Mozambique Mobile operator Vodacom across the continent, as terrestrial infrastructure to is to use Alphabet's Loon we ensure that no one is connect the balloons to Mozambique announced the conclusion of a balloon-carried base left behind when it comes the core network. And project to bring digital satellite television signal to stations to extend coverage to accessing the global Loon said it will need “to 1,000 villages in the country, which is supposed to in Mozambique. digital economy,” he said. learn the stratospheric benefit over 20,000 families. The balloons will float 20km The balloons will deliver wind patterns on which the The Minister of Transport and Communication above the ground in the voice, data. SMA and balloons must navigate to Janfar Abdulai made the announcement after provinces of Cabo Delgado USSD on 4G, as well as M- remain above the service reviewing the project in the northern province of and Niassa, in the north of Pesa mobile financial area”. They will be Cabo Delgado. the country close to the services. Vodacom said: controlled with what Loon, border with Tanzania. “The service will be owned by Google's parent Rural communities in Africa constitutes the larger available to any Vodacom company Alphabet, calls percentage of the population whose information Loon's CEO Alastair subscriber with a standard a n a u t o n o m o u s and developmental needs are not adequately met Westgarth said: “We view 4 G - Vo LT E e n a b l e d navigation system. and consequently they have not been able to this as the first step to a handset and SIM card. Westgarth added: “Since productively participate in the development larger partnership that will Users will not need to do Loon vehicles float on process and enjoy the benefits thereof.So far, the allow us to serve more of a n y t h i n g s p e c i a l t o wind currents in the emergence of information and knowledge society those users throughout connect to the service; stratosphere, they are is a significant intervention with the potential to Africa.” they will connect just as constantly moving in and ensure that knowledge and information are very L o o n i s a l r e a d y they would to a normal cell out of a given service important for achieving meaningful development. e x p e r i m e n t i n g w i t h tower. In fact, it's unlikely region. With two countries balloons in Kenya, on the that a user will know that in close proximity to one "This project is included in the 100 days of other side of Tanzania, in a they are connected to the another, we can share governance and now it is totally concluded, here project with Telkom Kenya. service provided by a high vehicles across service today we are reviewing how the beneficiaries feel Shameel Joosub, the group altitude balloon, except for regions when it makes with the project and we are able to testify that they C E O o f V o d a c o m , the fact that they may have sense to do so, which will are happy, they have direct access to information confirmed the company's a signal in a location where increase our utilisation and we share their satisfaction," said the minister. interest in expanding it previously did not exist.” rates. It's pretty cool that in He said the project generated about 2,000 jobs in balloon coverage. “We look the lifespan of one vehicle, total and trained work force particularly young forward to forging similar Vodacom and Loon will it could serve in multiple people to be in charge of the maintenance and partnerships and projects need to install physical countries, multiple times.” provide assistance to the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, information can be regarded as a basic resource by African communities which the Eutelsat reported revenues for Q3 populace may use to improve their conditions of living and is essential to development process. and nine months ended 31 March 2020 Not only does information expand the possibilities of social, political, educational and economic Eutelsat has reported t h e B a l k a n s . O t h e r channels broadcast by development of any country, but it also facilitates revenues for the Third commercial highlights Eutelsat satellites stood at awareness and empowerment .Information is an Quarter and Nine Months include a solid Spring 6,867, down 2% year-on- asset and a resource for development of ended 31 March 2020. The Renewal campaign with year and stable quarter- communities, governments, agencies, and the Board of Directors of the US Government, a on-quarter. On a year-on- target population. Eutelsat Communications multi-year contract with year basis, HD channels The project, covering all the ten provinces and the chaired by Dominique Telenor Maritime in Mobile rose by 10% to 1,667, capital city of Mozambique, was co-funded by D'Hinnin, announced the Connectivity, and for implying a penetration rate China and implemented by the Chinese report after reviewing the Konnect Africa, a MoU to of 24.3% compared to electronics and media company StarTimes. financial results for the connect several thousand 21.5% a year earlier. On period. s c h o o l s a c r o s s t h e the commercial front, The project is part of the resolutions of the Rodolphe Belmer, Chief Democratic Republic of activity remained dynamic Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China- E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r , Congo. with the addition of a new Africa Cooperation in 2015, in which the Chinese c o m m e n t e d : “ T h i r d According to the company, platform in Sub-Saharan government pledged to provide satellite television Quarter revenues were in third Quarter Broadcast Africa - Ghana RCS at access for 10,000 villages in Africa.Indeed, line with our expectations, revenues were stable at 7°East - as well as the access to information by rural communities in a n d c o n f i r m e d t h e €198.8 million on a year- renewal and expansion of Africa will serve as a panacea to the problems that underlying improvement in o n - y e a r b a s i s . T h i s business in the Western long time exist and hindered them from exploiting Operating Verticals trends. reflected on one hand the Balkans at the 16°East their potentialities. Rural community In particular, Broadcast carry-forward effect of the orbital position. development is the back borne of a country's was highly resilient with return of a couple of D u r i n g t h e q u a r t e r, development, ignoring rural communities for not stable revenues year-on- transponders in Russia in EUTELSAT 7C entered providing them with basics needs and access to year and return to quarter- July and, on the other, into service, bringing 19 information infrastructures will basically lead on-quarter growth with higher revenues notably in incremental transponders them to migrate from rural communities to o n g o i n g s i g n s o f MENA and at 28.5°East. to the African market which concentrate in the urban areas which will not commercial dynamism in On a quarter-on-quarter are expected to gradually augur well for African development. Therefore, emerging markets with a basis, total Broadcast r a m p - u p ; e l s e w h e r e there is the need for refocusing on the role of new DTH platform in Sub- revenues rose by 2.1%, EUTELSAT 5 WEST B information in rural community development Saharan Africa and the including a positive one-off entered into service, and television as a tool for change agent. extension of a contract in for circa €1m. At 31 March replacing EUTELSAT 5 2020 the total number of IN THE NEWS

Intelsat undertakes BBC World News and SES extend HD deal financial to ASTRA 19.2 degrees East restructuring for TV viewers across Western Direct-to-Home (DTH), to and that reliable news Europe will continue to be broad video distribution producers such as the BBC are future innovation able to watch BBC World and contribution and into now more critical in providing News thanks to an extended d a t a s e r v i c e s , t h e accurate news and information and growth deal with SES. BBC Global company's ability to touch to millions of viewers," said News delivers its HD news lives and have an impact on Ferdinand Kayser, CEO at Intelsat S.A., operator of the world's largest channel, BBC World News, the world has grown. SES Video. "We're pleased to and most advanced satellite fleet and free-to-air across Europe on continue working with the BBC connectivity infrastructure, has announced SES's Astra satellite at 19.2 Chris Davies, executive and to help bring high-quality that it has undertaken a financial degrees East. vice president of marketing HD news to 88 million restructuring to position the Company for and distribution for BBC European households at a time long-term success. The restructuring The total HD reach at Astra Global News, said, "This when they need it most.” process is intended to enhance the 19.2 degrees East has deal with SES is really Company's liquidity and will likely result in a increased every year, rising important as it allows us to Present time SES has a substantial reduction of Intelsat's legacy from 65 million homes at year reliably reach widespread formidable head-start in the debt burden, allowing for Intelsat to emerge end 2015 to 88 million by year audiences across Western video segment. We serve 312 with a strengthened balance sheet to end 2019, a 34% growth in Europe. Amidst one of the million households through our complement its strong operating model and five years. The BBC World biggest news stories of this global fleet which equates to future growth plans. News channel, which has generation, we're seeing impacting the entertainment been available in HD through unprecedented demand for and informational experience One of the primary catalysts for SES since 2015, is distributed quality journalism. Since of more than 1 billion restructuring the balance sheet now is via a multiplex operated and the beginning of the year, inhabitants on our planet. And, Intelsat's desire to participate in the uplinked by SES from its we've taken BBC World we still have a long way to go. accelerated clearing of C-band spectrum Luxembourg headquarters. News from being available Pay-TV penetration in some of under the Federal Communications in 465 million homes the largest emerging countries Commission order in support of a build-out For over 30 years, after SES worldwide to over half a remains under 20% and in of 5G wireless infrastructure in the United launched its first satellite, a billion homes, to provide a many cases even under 10%. States. To meet the FCC's accelerated 30-year anniversary it growing audience with W e a r e t h e r e f o r e clearing deadlines and ultimately be eligible celebrated last year, the world trusted, accurate and contemplating a unique to receive $4.87 billion of accelerated leading operator has been impartial news.” opportunity to improve and relocation payments, Intelsat needs to part of a changing and “Since the COVID-19 d e m o c r a t i z e t h e v i d e o spend more than $1 billion on clearing evolving landscape of health crisis started, we experience, improve people's activities. These clearing activities must services delivered from have heard from our lives, and help build the start immediately, long before costs begin space. customers that demand for business of our partners such to be reimbursed. The Company is also Over this period, SES have linear TV, especially news a s l o c a l a n d r e g i o n a l managing the economic slowdown broadened its reach from programmes, is on the rise broadcasters. impacting several of its end markets caused by the COVID-19 global health crisis. Tunisia's announces first homebuilt satellite

“This is a transformational moment in the history of our company,” said Stephen The African space market is deploy a constellation of many possible uses for Spengler, Chief Executive Officer of in full bloom and is now 30 more nanosatellites Challenge One, ranging from Intelsat. “Intelsat is the pioneer and estimated at more than 7 over the next decade. remotely activating solar foundational architect of the satellite billion dollars a year. In Anis Youssef, Head of pumps in the Sahara to industry. For more than 50 years, we have almost 21 years, 32 Innovation Activities at tracking livestock crossing been respected for quality, innovation, s a t e l l i t e s h a v e b e e n Telnet: “Telnet's specificity Tunisian borders into Algeria sector leadership, and premium services. launched by eight African – as a Tunisian company – or Libya. Our success has come despite being countries, three of which are is that we are not buying a Mohammed Frikha, CEO of burdened in recent years by substantial f i n a n c e d b y A f r i c a n s a t e l l i t e . W e a r e Telnet Holding: “After the legacy debt. Now is the time to change that. institutions. developing one ourselves. revolution (Tunisia) was a We intend to move forward with the country that successfully accelerated clearing of C-band spectrum in Next to Asia, Africa is the “All this is in the interest of established a democracy, the United States and to achieve a world's largest continent, c r e a t i n g a g a t e w a y comprehensive solution that would result in home to more than 900 between Russia and she showed the world that an a stronger balance sheet. This will position million people living in 54 Tunisia, around space Arab and Muslim country, us to invest and pursue our strategic growth countries. It covers more nano satellites, and the can be successful in objectives, build on our strengths, and than 20 percent of the total technology of the Internet democracy. serve the mission-critical needs of our landmass on this planet. of Things (IoT).” “In the world, countries are customers with additional resources and The continent is also This satellite specializes in valued by two things: by wind in our sails.” progressing, with home-built the Internet of Things. It is d e m o c r a c y a n d b y satellites. One such case is 100% made by Tunisian technology. I think that in To facilitate the financial restructuring, Tunisia, which has just resources and skills, and Tunisia we have potential I Intelsat and certain of its subsidiaries have manufactured a satellite t h a n k s t o a n e w am personally convinced of filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions in the named “challenge one.” It is technology developed in that and justifiably this U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern produced by TELNET Tunisia. Each device in the project will give a very good District of Virginia, Richmond Division. Company with support from system will eventually be image of Tunisia in the world Intelsat General (IGC), which serves the Russia. It is scheduled to be able to be individually and it will also give Tunisians Company's U.S. commercial, government, launched from its Soyuz 2 programmed, controlled or the confidence that we are and Allied military customers, is not part of capable of becoming one of the Chapter 11 proceedings. spacecraft on November 15. reset in space from Telnet aims to progressively Telnet's labs. There are the leaders of technology.” ANALYSIS

SES posted solid Q1 financial results

In 2019, SES served a total of 367 million TV households compared with 355 million households in 2018 across its industry-leading video neighbourhoods. SES' reach in international markets has continued to expand, now serving a total of 130 million TV households across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, posting solid financial results for the first three months ended 31 March 2020

SES S.A, a global satellite services provider, revenue impact that COVID-19 home' policy for the majority of its 2,100+ full- has announced solid financial results for the environment will have on our 2020 time employees and additional part-time first three months ended 31 March 2020 with performance. That said, we have 'gone staff/contractors, before any government performance in line with the company's hard and gone early' in implementing regulation. SES has well established and expectations and strong underlying revenue COVID-19 specific measures to mitigate tested contingency plans in place to address growth in SES Networks. The business has impacts on EBITDA, including a number of scenarios across all technical seen limited impact to date from the COVID- substantial limits on discretionary spend facilities around the world and, accordingly, 19 global pandemic but given the in the order of mid-double-digit millions does not anticipate any impact on the unprecedented impact on the global economy for the year, and removed EUR 180 services provided to SES' customers. All and on certain industry segments that the million from our capital expenditure operations centres across the SES network company serves, SES has proactively programme over the next 4 years. remain 100% in service and operational; implemented a series of measures to mitigate We are focused on ensuring the safety of the headwinds to be faced in 2020. our employees around the world, At 31 March 2020, SES had cash and cash maintaining business continuity, equivalents of EUR 437.2 million prior to Steve Collar, CEO, commented: “We have supporting our customers, and taking all payment of the 2019 dividend (total amount of made a strong start to 2020 with solid first steps to ensure that SES can emerge EUR 184 million) which was paid to quarter financial results including a step up in from this period in the strongest possible shareholders on 23 April 2020. The group has underlying revenue growth in SES Networks. position. I am proud and appreciative of no refinancing requirements until 2021 and a Our Networks business now represents more the incredible team at SES who have EUR 1.2 billion Revolving Credit Facility than 40% of our business overall and mobility seamlessly adapted to the operational which is fully undrawn. SES has implemented continues to stand out with 29% growth year- challenges presented by COVID-19 and additional measures to manage cost and on-year as we have seen the full year continue to deliver critical services to our discretionary spending, notably reducing contributions of important customer contracts customers with the same quality and capital expenditure by EUR 180 million for the signed during 2019. Strong control over expertise as ever. period 2020-2024 as compared with the discretionary costs in the quarter contributed previous forecast. to a reduction in recurring operating expenses Looking beyond COVID-19, Simplify & year-on-year and reflects our ongoing focus Amplify, our strategic transformation Given the importance of staying connected, on execution. programme, is well underway. We are SES is actively supporting customers and “Underlying” revenue represents the core executing on initiatives that will generate Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on business of capacity sales, as well as EUR 40-50 million annualised EBITDA the frontlines of the pandemic with “in kind” associated services and equipment. optimisation in 2021 and beyond and we connectivity services and broadcasting are making progress on the potential programmes organised by non-profit In 2019, SES served a total of 367 million TV separation of our Video and Networks organisations to uplift community spirits. SES households compared with 355 million business within SES. Successful employees are utilising the SES Give Back households in 2018 across its industry- execution of this separation will provide programme to support their local leading video neighbourhoods. European greater visibility into our business for communities including through donations to reach remained solid with 168 million TV investors, increase operational focus qualified non-profit organisations which are homes, or over 60% of all TV households in and create strategic flexibility. matched by SES, helping vulnerable Europe, relying on SES for their video We have set up a dedicated team to communities or serving as volunteers on the content. North American reach of 69 million execute on the objectives of the U.S. frontline of the response to COVID-19. TV households remains a key distribution FCC's C-Band final Report and Order, platform for over 60% of TV households in the including the ability for SES to earn up to In addition, the fixed and long-term nature of U.S. SES' reach in international markets has USD 3.97 billion in acceleration SES' commercial contracts provide strong continued to expand, now serving a total of payments for efficiently and effectively cash flow visibility and security as reflected in 130 million TV households across Asia- repurposing C-Band spectrum while the group's fully protected contract backlog of Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Middle p r o t e c t i n g o u r b r o a d c a s t EUR 6.2 billion as at 31 March 2020. SES is East. neighbourhoods.” closely monitoring development across all We have a strong, resilient business with business segments, most notably predominantly fixed, long-term contracts and Response to the COVID-19 Aeronautical approximately 7% of group 85% of our expected revenue for 2020 revenue, Cruise, approximately 4% of group already secured. To date our results have Global Pandemic revenue and Sports & Events approximately been largely unaffected by COVID-19. 1% of group revenue. At the same time, SES Nevertheless, the impact of the pandemic on From a business perspective, SES' is focused on driving opportunities to support the global economy and on several of the response and actions during this additional demand for content connectivity business verticals that we serve is profound unprecedented period focus on solutions in Fixed Data and Government. and it is inevitable that we will be impacted as employee safety and business we support our most affected customers. It is continuity. Since early March 2020, SES too early to provide an assessment of the has maintained a worldwide 'work from NIGERIA

The state of public sector connectivity

Galaxybackbone is a leading enabler of digital inclusion in Nigeria and Africa, supporting efficient and effective delivery of public sector services, according to the company’s report

In 2006, Galaxy Backbone was established servers on the network, regardless where the nation. Government no doubt has interest a s a l e a d i n g I n f o r m a t i o n a n d that server is located. In some instances, in converting the states and local Communications Technology service more than one computer could access the governments in Nigeria into digital havens provider in by the Federal Government to same server or resource simultaneously. that will be fully networked and ready to be harmonise the approach to ICT in the public Generally, the company's network integrated into the new world order of digital sector, to help derive more value from its interconnects thousands or hundreds of citizens in an environment of e-governance, i n ve stme n ts i n In fo rma ti o n a n d thousands of individual network "dots” on e-health, e-commerce and e-agriculture C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Te c h n o l o g y b y demand enabling public sector among others. eliminating duplication, establishing organizations to survive with e-mails, large Therefore, some have taken steps to partner e c o n o m i e s o f s c a l e , e n h a n c i n g documents, sound and video files. In many with Galaxy Backbone to deploy necessary interoperability of systems and improving locations, Galaxy backbone's strategy for fibre and other electronic infrastructure for the government's capacity to deliver electronic delivering broadband is often a hybrid of benefit of public sector organizations and services. wireless solutions including fibre, satellite, Nigerians at large. Governments have Today's business and e-governance fixed wireless and mobile broadband necessary roles to play in removing many applications often require 100% uptime networks. In addition Public Access Points bureaucratic difficulties and obstacles that due to cloud computing, machine-to- especially, a NIPOST outlet or Local hinder faster broadband rollout. machine interaction, VoIP and video Government HQ) can be deployed within a communications and the digital 2km radius at the most, to support those Since the implementation of Government transformation of business processes. All who cannot afford their own devices.’ broadband plan, and with the support from businesses usually have a common set of Galaxy Backbone, millions of educated and requirements. They need secured highly Before Galalxy Backbone was set up, it working class adults are beginning to have available connections with increasing was government's vision to build an broadband experience in their workplaces. In amount of band-width in a cost-effective organization that would bridge the gap addition, young students in secondary and way. between how business was perceived to tertiary institutions are very active online and In over ten years of its establishment, be done in the public sector and how it is are generally fascinated with accessing Galaxy Backbone has built a common perceived to be done in the private sector. broadband services on mobile devices such services platform consisting of in-country The goal for the creation of Galaxy as smart phones, netbooks, laptops. and offshore VSAT hubs, a datacenter, Backbone was to ensure government Currently Nigeria's locally broadband based Federal Capital metro fiber backbone and processes were improved upon and services have increased tremendously. multiple redundant internet gateways. worked effectively most especially in an Thanks to Galaxy Backbone, many more From this platform, the company is growing obvious technology driven world that was ministries, departments and agencies now its coverage of public institutions oblivious of whether one belonged to the have online presence. More government nationwide and currently connects about public or private sector. Technology services are also online and so much have 4,000 locations spread across various indeed, is for everyone. improved with the introduction of the single parts of Nigeria representing over 350 So for Galaxy Backbone, one of our service portal 'services.gov.ng'. Several Ministries Departments and Agencies of greatest pride is in our people. The Nigerian states across North South States the Federal Government. c o m p a n y h a v e a s s e m b l e d a n have established very comprehensive In order to achieve its goals, it provide and exceptionally diverse set of professionals websites. Virtually, every political leader at deliver on the technology that enables with both Private and public sector the Local, State and National levels are using government institutions work faster, experience; men and women from different social media to engage with the polity. smarter and solve their immediate and parts of the country and beyond. It also f u t u r e c h a l l e n g e s . T h e F e d e r a l have a rich diversity of people cut across One of the success stories of Internet usage government's investments in the Galaxy the different cultures in Nigeria who are not in Nigeria today is that of JAMB online. It was Backbone (GBB) infrastructure was geared just technology professionals but discovered that spikes in internet usage towards improving government services understand what it means to deliver value coincided with the release of JAMB results or and creating a platform that can to government institutions and ensure its the beginning of the JAMB registration accommodate public institutions at both operations are run effectively based on process. Another good example is the federal and state levels and other private international standards. Its work culture American University in Yola which was at one institutions that might want to benefit from and values thrives on teamwork, time responsible for 52% of all Nigerian these services. commitment to excellence and results. Internet traffic, as a result of students having The Galaxy Backbone own network is free access to hardware and high bandwidth. made up of hundreds and thousands of The future of public sector Consequently, internet usage can grow faster network computers, terminals, servers, connectivity if there is compelling local content and gateways, and routers offering Internet access, including continuing investment in Governments at various levels have a access across Nigeria. Therefore, a public sector broadband infrastructure by critical role to play in the drive to have personal computer can access any of the Galaxy Backbone. pervasive broadband infrastructure across IN THE NEWS

IEC Telecom unveils WHO offering COVID-19 tracking app to satellite-based governments worldwide networking T h e W o r l d H e a l t h potential infection, the to launch imminently. management solution Organisation (WHO) is WHO app will also be able As well as the new app, the readying the launch of a new to provide users with WHO has spearheaded app aimed at stemming the information about local initiatives to provide Satellite communications specialist, IEC Telecom testing options for the a c c u r a t e s c i e n t i f i c has introduced its latest satellite-based s p r e a d o f C o v i d - 1 9 . Scheduled for a global virus. Additionally, it will information and alerts via networking management solution, OneGate Aid offer users resources for messaging partnerships, Compact to improve the efficiency of first launch later in May, the app will let users check their safeguarding their mental including with WhatsApp. It responders in regional communities across the health. intends to launch a similar Middle East and Africa amid the COVID-19 symptoms in order to Mariano noted that the campaign via SMS for pandemic. determine if they are infected WHO's app would be of millions of users with low- OneGate Aid Compact is an agile and future- with the virus. According to the WHO CIO Bernardo particular benefit in end devices. ready network management solution that W h i l e t h e s o c i a l operates from a virtual platform and is designed Mariano as saying that any developing regions such networking category is 6th to keep mobile humanitarian teams connected at government would be able to as Africa and Latin measured in download all times, enabling full control and visibility over use the technology that America, noting that volumes, it's a growing active telecommunication links. powers the app to introduce countries with vulnerable Urban areas utilise GSM networks, while remote their own offering. public health services category and generates missions are heavily reliant on satellite So far, the App Economy has w o u l d b e a b l e t o a r o u n d 3 % o f t o t a l communication. Moreover, mandatory social arrived in full force — and implement the app swiftly revenues. distancing prevents from staff reinforcement or every single one of us is a rather than spending time Recent results show that rotation and as a result, field workers are heavily part of it. Already in 2013 the and effort developing their 75% of apps in its search dependent on satellite networks to receive global community have own. The WHO also engine get 90% of the remote counselling and training. With an increase downloaded 70 billion mobile a c k n o w l e d g e s t h e d o w n l o a d s . T h i s i s in data usage, it is not enough to simply have apps. That's 10x the number potential advantages of because its app search access to the satellite network, but be in a of people on the planet. implementing contact- engine is far less leader position to manage available resources and Research firm Gartner1 is tracing technology to the board-driven than the channel essential communications on mission- particularly bullish about the app, which would be based Apple and Google Play critical operations. market outlook. It estimates on Bluetooth. Reuters app stores. “So if you “Successful operations during the COVID-19 the total number of mobile c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e contrast our results with pandemic are dependent on timely and proper app downloads (both free o r g a n i s a t i o n h a s typical Apple App Store communication in affected communities. This is and paid) will soar to 269 approached Apple and results, then with Xyo pe especially critical to first response groups or billion in 2017, up from 102 Google about the proximity ple find all kinds of apps mobile hospitals who need to act fast in areas billion in 2013. That's a huge detection technology that and games and often many with no infrastructure. Now more than ever, increase!. the firms have developed of the less-well known telecommunications in general and satellite As well as flagging cases of together and are planning titles.” communications, in particular, are critical to support our frontline workers. OneGate Aid Compact was developed as a solution to support New Ka-band satellite broadband launched continuous communication. It provides satellite link in remote areas and serves as GSM back-up in Iraq, Syria and Armenia under terrestrial network coverage,” said Nabil Ben Soussia, managing director IEC Telecom TS2 SPACE has recently European EDS satellite same cost, if compared to Middle East, IEC Telcom Group. launched new Ka-band payload. previous Ku-band service, satellite services. Using the The Ka-band spot beams without compromising IEC Telecom's OneGate Aid Compact is powered HYLAS 2 spacecraft, the are providing two-way connection reliability and by Thuraya IP+ for stationed use and Thuraya company now provides high- communications services to stability”. Voyager for vehicular use over Thuraya's L-Band speed data services to Iraq, facilitate high-speed delivery network. It enables first response teams with Syria and Armenia. o f d a t a t o e n d - u s e r New Ka-band service is optimised network traffic availing services such Abanti's second satellite, the a p p l i c a t i o n s s u c h a s based on the field-tested as big data transfer and live conferencing. In Hylas-2, was ordered from corporate networking, and proven technology times of COVID it means that front line staff will be able to share operational reports in real time and Orbital Sciences Corp. in late broadband Internet access, provided by iDirect. Ka- have access to telemedicine. 2009. Equipped with 24 Ka- business continuity services band service requires OneGate Aid Compact also provides the gateway band repeaters and based on and video distribution. smaller antenna, reducing for remote maintenance, enabling technical its Star 2.4 platform, the t h e e q u i p m e n t a n d support teams to monitor and troubleshoot at any satellite is expected to have Marcin Fr¹ckiewicz, CEO transportation costs and place and at any time. It may also be enhanced three times the capacity of and founder at TS2 SPACE, making the installation with an augmented reality toolkit, providing field the Hylas 1 and to be used commented: “With the easier. workers with a 'virtual pair of hands' displayed on chiefly to serve markets in the launch of new Ka-Band the screen of the device in use (smartphone or Middle East and Africa.. service on Hylas-2, TS2 is TS2 SPACE is a leading tablet). As such, limited staff onsite is Hylas-2 will be used mainly proud to introduce latest p r o v i d e r o f s a t e l l i t e exponentially expended via digitally present for providing broadband technology to customers in communications systems. It teams in the HQ and network support teams at applications in that region, Iraq, Syria and Armenia?. p r o v i d e s g l o b a l IEC Telcom. and for cellular backhauling. New service allows downlink t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s “In addition to the critical communication to speeds up to 20Mbps, five s e r v i c e s w i t h i n t h e support the frontline, we've seen a drastic Avanti finally raised 95 million t i m e s t h e p r e v i o u s coverage of international increase in the use of video calls, which is a EUR to fund a third satellite, maximum, using a smaller satellites. The company natural response to prolonged isolation,” added Hylas-3. It will primarily serve a n t e n n a . H i g h e r offers all capabilities of Ben Soussia. “In order to support front line staff the African continent, performance is gained at a using satellite technology and our communities, in cooperation with boosting Avanti's presence in much lower cost, which for data transmission, Thuraya we have doubled our data packages for emerging markets to 80%. It allows up to four times higher phone calls, and Internet April at no additional cost.” will, in principle, be a connection speed at the access. AVIATION

Gogo ‘sees’ growth amid COVID-19 setbacks

In-flight connectivity market-leader, Gogo, launched with an air-to-ground cellular network, explains that while the aircraft online business increased to 2,480 as of March 31, 2020 from 2,412 as of March 31, 2019, due to an increase in 2Ku and ATG aircraft the company’s first quarter service revenue decreases significantly primarily due to the impact of COVID-19

Gogo, a leading global provider of global airlines.” "We are thrilled about our option to deliver significant bandwidth to broadband connectivity products and ongoing relationship with Gogo, a long- client users over satellite. Unlike Iridium and services for aviation has announced its standing partner and a leading provider for Inmarsat solutions, where the satellites are financial results for the quarter ended March inflight connectivity,” said Philippe Oliva, operated by a single provider, Ku-Band is 31, 2020, reflecting new comprehensive Eutelsat's Chief Commercial Officer. “This provided by a number of different operators. actions in response to the COVID-19 related agreement highlights the relevance of our Depending on the geo-graphical location, decline in air traffic. "We started the year well newly ordered EUTELSAT 10B for inflight different providers are capable of offering ahead of plan, but Commercial Aviation connectivity and we look forward to the service. For an airline, there is a need to demand fell sharply in March due to COVID- supporting Gogo as they increase capacity either integrate service from multiple Ku- 19 and has deteriorated further in Q2," said in Europe and the Middle East to provide Band operators, or select an aggregator like Oakleigh Thorne, Gogo's President and the best services to their airline partners.” Panasonic who has secured service over a CEO. "There has also been a slowdown in "To ensure our long-term liquidity, we are large coverage area. Ku-Band is attractive new activations and an increase in account aggressively executing on our previously for its ability to offer very high speeds (20 + suspensions in our Business Aviation announced 16 levers to manage costs," Mbps) to the end user. This has been segment, which we expect will negatively said Barry Rowan, Gogo's Executive Vice particularly attractive to commercial and impact BA revenue in Q2.” President and CFO. "Our stronger than business aviation, given the desire to expected cash position exiting 2019 and support high-speed applications such as "The Gogo team responded quickly to through the first four months of 2020 has television and other streaming video. COVID-19 with actions to reduce costs, positioned us to manage through this At Gogo, for instance, we have access to maintain our strong global franchise and difficult period and we are committed to more than 100 Gbps of capacity on our Ku- ensure our long-term financial viability," continuing this heightened level of financial band network, which is exclusively Thorne said. "I think we are well positioned and operational discipline.” dedicated to the aviation market. Ka satellite to get through this crisis and am extremely providers share bandwidth with numerous proud of the efforts and sacrifices of our Gogo operations other markets. In fact, one operator of Ka Gogo team in these difficult times.” Gogo has been providing commercial band satellite internet in the United States According to the company, service revenue airlines with the power of a Ku-based also serves an additional 675,000 decreased to $73.8 million, down 20% from network for years. With the industry-leading residential customers. That puts a Q1 2019, primarily due to the impact of Gogo 2Ku antenna design, proprietary significant dent in its capacity capabilities. COVID-19, the full impact of American modem that enhances performance and Airlines switching to the airline-directed speed, regulatory approvals in 200+ However, the company has continued to model, the de-installation of Gogo countries, and over 180 satellites and two invest thousands to install terminals, wire equipment from certain American Airlines data centers, the Gogo global satellite airplane cabins, and start up a service. It aircraft during 2018 and the first half of 2019, network provides the infrastructure and says an engaged audience on board is what and the recognition of product development- service fliers need for high-speed inflight will create value for airlines. Unless a related revenue from one of our airline internet with zero compromise. substantial percentage of passengers (at partners in the first quarter of 2019. Once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet and least half) are getting online in the air, there It said, equipment revenue increased to $6.3 the crew gives the okay to turn on portable are limited opportunities for Wi-Fi to create million, up 56% from Q1 2019, due primarily electronic devices, passengers can log on the loyalty factor airlines want or the active to more installations under the airline- the system. They are welcomed by a home audience that could represent meaningful directed model. page where they have to fill their personal additional value for airlines and airline Together with Eutelsat Communications, and credit card in-formation. partners. one of the world's leading satellite operators, Its biggest upside is the connection speed: As the government across ghe world set to the company sealed a new satellite capacity passengers are able to browse the Web; open the airspace, the expectations for in- agreement for high-speed inflight access online music, games, podcasts and flight Internet seem clear. Passengers want connectivity services. With this deal, Gogo webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and more service and more speed. Airlines will leased HTS bandwidth on EUTELSAT connect to virtual private networks while stand to gain more value and loyalty from 10B satellite, to be leveraged over Europe flying. The promised easy-to-use service their passengers if more people use it. and the Middle East. The new satellite is set provides passengers with full Internet Satellite communications is the unanimous to launch in 2022. “We are advancing access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or choice as the right technology to deliver that capacity capabilities given the growing personal electronic device at speeds kind of service over both land and sea. With demand for high-speed inflight connectivity similar to wireless mobile broad-band a single high-capacity satellite carrying services,” said Oakleigh Thorne, president services on the ground. nearly 100 times the capacity of a typical Ku- and CEO of Gogo. "Through our partnership According to Andrew Kemmetmueler, “Ku- band satellite, at a similar capital cost per with Eutelsat, Gogo 2Ku will continue to Band is recognized as a very attractive satellite, the economic equation becomes enable the best passenger experience for obvious. INDUSTRY INSIGHT

SANSA and the rise of space exploration in South Africa

The vision of the South African National Space Agency, SANSA's is to position “South Africa as the leading innovator of space science and technology solutions on the African continent and beyond while also serving humanity without borders”. To this end, Raoul Hodges, Managing Director of SANSA Space Operations, says he's very proud of the team at SANSA Space Operations, their work within the Space industry.

SANSA is taking on a leading role in the international space arena as the agency continue to use Space Science and technology as a vehicle to increase South Africa's intellectual capital, advanced technology capital and our countries global new knowledge share. This, the space agency believes is an absolute necessity and a cornerstone if South Africa is to create and sustain a vibrant national Space Science and technology programme that responds to the changing needs of humanity, increases our global space market share, increases our global competitiveness and creates a larger measure of self-dependence in the space arena and be among the leading innovators.

In 2019 SANSA’s facility became part of various international ground stations that are tracking Chandrayaan 2 and ensuring that it lands safely on the Moon. Chandrayaan 2, carried 13 different payloads, which were distributed across three modules. “The work Sadeeq Omeiza being conducted at Hartebeesthoek is of great significance in the advancement of space science and engineering. The mission Phil Mjwara, Director-General in the storms, while radiation exposure poses a demonstrates our capabilities to operate Department of Science and Technology hazard for airline crew and passengers, competitively within the international space (DST), this week paid a visit to the Space especially during long-haul flights. market, according to SANSA Space Weather Regional Warning Centre for Operations.In order to ensure the success of Africa. Based in Hermanus in the To mitigate the risks to aircraft and airports, the mission and improve the collaboration, Western Cape, the SANSA facility is the the ICAO has recommended that the ISRO deployed one of their Scientist, Debdas only such centre on the continent, and aviation sector familiarise itself with the Paik to Hartebeesthoek and was responsible has been designated by the International potential impacts of space weather events, for briefing the SANSA team on Chandryaan-2 Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as and ensure that space weather information mission objectives, mission critical phases oneA yotundeof two regional Coker centres around the forms part of all flight plans in the near and about the significant contribution is being world that will monitor space weather for future. The organisation has made it a provided by the facility. the global aviation sector, providing regulation that this information be filtered crucial safety-related services such as down to aircraft crew and cabin members. Space, by its nature, is high risk and globally solar storm forecasts and warnings. relies heavily on government as the anchor In addition, the South African second client for the national space industry. SANSA, Space weather events are capable of nanosatellite was recently launched into as the lead implementer of the space s e r i o u s l y d i s r u p t i n g m o d e r n space, that was three times the size of its programme, is providing the necessary technologies such as satellites, GPS, predecessor, TshepisoSat. It is one of the anchor to the local space industry. power grids, and navigation and continent's most advanced cube satellite South Africa is also playing a big role in the communication systems. High- and a precursor to the MDASat - a international space weather monitoring frequency radio communication constellation of nine nanosatellites community, as it moves to become a key infrastructure, as well as ground and air- developed to provide cutting-edge very provider of space weather information to the based navigation systems, can be h i g h f r e q u e n c y d a t a e x c h a n g e global aviation sector for the African region. Dr disabled or knocked out entirely by solar communication systems to the maritime INDUSTRY INSIGHT

industry. “The launch of ZACube-2 science advancement amongst the youth Sensor Portfolio and Data represents a significant milestone in the and public engagement in science; and nation's ambition to becoming a key player fostering global partnerships. To this end, Products in the innovative utilization of space science SANSA was established to ensure better and technology in responding to co-ordination and attainment of the above Meanwhile, the acquisition, archiving and government priority areas,” said Minister objectives. In particular, the National dissemination of satellite datasets is thus a Kubayi-Ngubane. The satellite is a Space Strategy outlines four thematic core function of SANSA Earth Observation. technology demonstrator for Maritime areas under which the South African space Satellite datasets are a critical input in Domain Awareness (MDA), and will monitor programme has to be pursued. stimulating innovation and the development the movement of ships along the South of value added products and services within African coastline with its automatic SANSA is the primary point of contact and the entire earth observation landscape identification system (AIS) payload. The AIS face of South Africa in the global space across the African continent. SANSA navigational data will be provided to the arena and a vehicle for strategically acquires satellite data from many South African Government in support of its positioning the country amongst the international satellite vendors for national broader Operation Phakisa initiative to grow community of space faring nations. Space use. These include Landsat 7 and 8, SPOT our maritime economy. activities, by their nature, rely on 6 and 7, MODIS and CBERS-4. The international partnerships, therefore centralised acquisition under a single- To this end, SANSA is contributing to the global partnerships and international license multi-user arrangement, as is the improvement of the quality of the lives of engagements are transversal, threading case with SPOT 6 and 7, eradicates costly South Africans in a sustained and all activities within the agency, its and multiple acquisitions of the same conserved environment through the use of programmes and functional areas. datasets by the public sector and ensures Space Science and technology for day-to- the long-term archiving of the valuable data day societal benefits. This will entail The most notable long-term return on stock. An estimated 40 government entities, prioritising programmes and projects that investment in the Space Science and on both the national and provincial level, use would facilitate the service delivery technology is the creation of opportunities these data resources. SANSA has also objectives of the country in its various forms, that instil in our youth the recognition and negotiated favourable licensing to allow for towards a conserved environment and motivation that they, too, can play a role in discounted access to this data to the South better decision making. future scientific and technological African private sector and the Southern breakthrough. Capturing the hearts and African Development Community region. minds of the youth to pursue scientific and To meet the wide user demands, SANSA SANSA's mandate anticipates widening its sensor portfolio to South Africa's advances and ambitions in technological studies and careers is the single largest sustainable economic increase its range of satellite data products Space Science and technology warrant co- to improve the diversity of its offerings at ordination, and as such the Department of multiplier for a country, especially amongst d e v e l o p i n g n a t i o n s . S c i e n c e various spatial, spectral and temporal Science and Technology (DST) has resolutions. The GEO Open Data Sharing established the South African National advancement is another cross-cutting goal of SANSA that has to be driven by all Principles have significantly increased the Space Agency (SANSA) to implement this range of open and free datasets that SANSA co-ordination driven by the department's functional units of SANSA and the corporate office. will archive and distribute at no cost to users national space strategy, as determined by in South Africa and the Southern African the Minister. community. The inclusion of the open Cost of access to space access Sentinel data into the SANSA SANSA's mandate revolves around According to SANSA's report, South sensor portfolio will be further explored, promoting the peaceful use of space; African currently rely on other countries looking at interim measures, whilst awaiting supporting the creation of an environment satellites for its geospatial information the agreement between the European conducive to industrial development in requirements. Commercial agreements Commission and the African Union. space technology; fostering research in with international suppliers have to be According to SANSA, the recently signed Space Science, communications, concluded to obtain access to the satellite BRICS virtual constellation partnership will navigation and space physics; advancing and or request high resolution images on further unlock potential additional datasets scientific, engineering and technological demand. Currently the SPOT (French: into the sensor portfolio such Superview, competencies and capabilities through Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre, Kanopus-V1, Resourcesat-2, GF-1 and ZY- capital development outreach programmes "Satellite for observation of Earth") series 3/02 in addition to the CBERS-4 data that is and infrastructure development; and of satellites are utilised for the country already being directly received. SANSA will fostering international co-operation in coverage and this has been in use since play a critical role in supporting Operation space-related activities. early 2000 for the annual mosaic and other Phakisa: The Oceans Economy initiative SANSA is broadly required to promote the applications for the country's needs. through the direct reception and provision of peaceful use of space; foster international Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. The co-operation in space-related activities; Licence fees to access the satellite have SAR data will be used for ship surveillance, facilitate the creation of an environment now significantly increased over the past water pollution detection and monitoring of conducive to space technology industrial three years from R16 million per annum in fishing activities. SANSA will avail its sensor development. This will be achieved by 2012 for the SPOT 5 satellite to R36 million portfolio and research capability to support fostering relevant research, and advancing per annum from 2013 for the SPOT 6&7 maritime spatial planning and coastal our scientific and engineering capability satellites for a negotiated multi user infrastructure mapping. through human capital development, licence agreement. This is a major cost Accordingly, maintaining the ICT outreach programmes and the development element in the goods and services budget Infrastructure for the data and imagery of infrastructure. and a pressure point that cannot be archive and storage facilities, data The South African Government recognises sustained at the current budget levels. The processing and management systems, the potential role of Space Science and SPOT 6&7 licence agreement has a few access to communication networks, running technology to deliver on a wide spectrum of months remaining, should funding not be the ground station facility and maintaining national priorities including environmental forthcoming, the impact will be observation networks across the country and resource management; urban planning catastrophic to continuing with the national and the remote islands for research and rural development; economic growth geospatial information for South Africa as purposes are becoming significant as these and global competitiveness; food security the renewal of this licence or an acquisition are becoming prone to technology and health; job creation and poverty of another sensor will be unaffordable for obsolescence and need upgrading and/or alleviation; human capital development; SANSA. replacements at shorter intervals. technology development and innovation; IN THE NEWS

ITU launches Spacecom and ST Engineering iDirect partner on Innovation HTS low power demonstration on AMOS-17 Challenges 2020 Spacecom operator of the e v e n t s a n d b a c k h a u l location, enabling users to AMOS satellite fleet, and its services. enter new markets and facilitate The International Telecoms Union long-term partner, ST Conducted from the UK- new applications,” said Tsachi (ITU,has released details of its E n g i n e e r i n g i D i r e c t based SMS Teleport, an Dahan, VP of Vertical Solutions Innovation Challenges 2020, an open announced the successful A M O S - 1 7 E u r o p e a n at Spacecom. “AMOS-17's C- global competition platform for demonstration of VSAT Gateway partner, the modem Band spot beams provide innovators and ecosystem builders to return capabilities on AMOS- and antenna were installed in superior throughput and present their ideas and projects, 17. a communications truck efficiencies over Sub-Saharan empowering them to transform their The demonstration resulted l o c a t e d b e t w e e n Africa with connections to communities into thriving digital in an exceptionally wide Johannesburg and Pretoria, Europe, the Middle East and societies. return link for a small VSAT South Africa. The truck was parts of Asia. We look forward Adopting a Covid-19 theme for 2020, this of 40Mbps (15Msym) using provided by Telemedia, a to presenting this unique value year's competition seeks entries the iDirect iQ 200 modem's leading provider of broadcast proposition to our customers designed to nurture an inclusive digital Adaptive TDMA return over and teleport services across b r o u g h t a b o u t b y t h i s world. AMOS-17's high power C- Africa. combination of satellite and The completion supports the ITU's drive band HTS beams. The ground segment.” for countries to have policies and combination of the 2.4m C- The iQ 200 is a DVB-S2/DVB- strategies for ICT-centric innovation and Band terminal and AMOS- S2X modem with Adaptive "We are excited to be involved calls on innovators, entrepreneurs, 17's high-performance TDMA returns, combining in this important demonstration policy-makers, leaders and change beams generated a highly high-performance features that brings out the greater makers to bridge the innovation divide efficient solution. with mobility, making it an potential of combining the right There are three challenges to choose ideal solution for real-time, ground segment and high from: The large return data rate cost-effective, small to throughput satellite capacity,” The Digital Change-maker Challenge enabled simultaneous m e d i u m e n t e r p r i s e commented Jerome Clapisson, covers a wide range of topics from transmission of multiple high applications, such as IP Regional Vice President of cybersecurity and regulation, to digital data streams from South trunking for disaster response S a l e s , E u r o p e a t S T inclusion and climate change, and calls Africa to Europe with a small and emergency services as Engineering iDirect. “This for participants to provide innovative antenna, resulting in the low- well as mobility solutions opens up a whole new array of solutions to real-life problems faced by power Communications-on- such as maritime. applications for users that span stakeholders in their communities, the-Pause (COTP) solution. many different applications and especially considering value chain This opens up many “By utilizing the iDirect markets, and is synonymous competitiveness and global disruption operational and business Evolution platform and iQ with our goal of expanding due to COVID-19. opportunities to customers, 200, we can now offer a m a r k e t a c c e s s t o o u r The Ecosystem Best Practice Challenge s u c h a s e m e r g e n c y unique low footprint, low customers by setting an looks for ecosystem builders to identify deployments, government power and high capacity i n d u s t r y b e n c h m a r k i n best practices that allow innovators to applications, coverage of return links from any remote performance and efficiency.” develop sustainable and resilient solutions to navigate technological change and bridge the digital divide. The Women in Tech Challenge, in NSR report: Maritime satcom buoyed by cooperation with the EQUALS Global Partnership, invites tech innovators to broadband demand despite COVID-19 impact help and empower women in various sectors, including agriculture, fashion, NSR's Maritime SATCOM Analyst and Report Author and health. How many vessels will be Markets, 8th Edition report Brad Grady. “Unlike the Airline active over the next ten years? finds mixed impact to Maritime industry, which has largely Applicants should submit their ideas and Satcom Markets in the near- parked their aircraft awaiting a innovations via the Co-Create Portal by Amongst the five core term, a challenging middle 'return to normal', everything m a r i t i m e s e g m e n t s 31 July 2020. period, yet optimism for from Cruise Ships to Merchant The winners will be invited to an ITU ( M e r c h a n t , P a s s e n g e r, longer-term sector health. On Vessels remain “online” with Offshore, Fishing, Leisure), event to pitch their proposals, connect the footsteps of a strong 2019, crew or other shipboard- with mentors and expert to scale-up their Offshore faces the longest with 24,000 VSAT-enabled functions - even if their road to revenue recovery – not project and become member of a network vessels and over $2.8B in operational duties have of past winners. m a t c h i n g 2 0 1 9 R e t a i l retail revenues, 2020 had slowed or vanished. The Revenues until 2027 as crude The International Telecommunication initial signs of another strong immediate effect is that 2020 pricing challenges are met Union (ITU) is a specialise agency of the year. bandwidth demand will see a with a sharp decrease in United Nations. The oldest organisation H o w e v e r , w i d e s p r e a d 7% increase over 2019 petroleum demand. of the UN systems. Today, the ITU has economic shutdowns due to figures, even while In-Service over 190 members states that are parties COVID-19, unprecedented Units and Retail Revenues Fishing markets have one of to its trenties: The ITU convention and pause to the Cruise sector, and decrease. the highest one-year drop in ITU constitution. collapsing oil prices have As Service Providers launch or revenues, yet regulatory Since the beginning of space age, the caused significant near-term re-launch Crew Welfare- demands, falling service ITU has aided the exploration and uses of disruption. While ships focused applications, Cruise prices, and cheaper terminals space through international coordination continue to require crew, S h i p s a r e r e - t a s k e d will also make it one of the and frequency allocation. The ITU is transport goods, and perform repatriating crew members, fastest growing Maritime tasked with ensuring national, equitable, essential services, these and all Maritime end-users markets. The Leisure segment efficient and economical use of the bright spots cannot mask the look at ways to safely operate is seeing a significant and radiofrequency spectrum. Within ITU, near-term systemic risks. in what is likely to become a s u s t a i n e d b o o s t i n this task is managed by ITU “The Maritime sector is 'new normal'; the demand for requirements as owners enjoy Radiocommunication (ITU-R) sector. It perhaps the '2nd worst' connectivity will continue to social distancing on their also administer orbital position, called impacted mobility market due increase on a per-vessel yachts. sloto in geostationary earth orbits to COVID-19,” states Principal basis. What's in question – INDUSTRY REPORT

Africa’s top telcom satellite regulator

Umaru Danbatta, Nigerian Communication Commission chief executive says the commission is addressing radio-frequency spectrum through the introduction of frequency management free from harmful interference vis-a-viz allocation, assignment, notification, coordination, monitoring and registration.

The Nigerian Telecommunications market registration, monitoring and use of scarce sub sector as it covers every individual and space is fully liberalized and totally private national resources in the communications sub business across the Nigerian landscape. sector driven. It transited from full public -sector, including but not limited to frequency This will expand the footprint of these driven sector through partial liberalization and spectrum, numbers and electronic addresses, services and, thus, foster a wholesome now fully liberalized. Every segment including and also promote and safeguard national environment that is truly citizen centric. networks and applications services are open interests, safety and security in the use of the In addition, the commission equally has the to competition and substantially licensed. said scarce national resources. duty of creating an enabling environment for In October 2003, a new Nigerian In the satellite industry industry, “The efficient management including planning, Communications Act was passed, replacing Communications Satellite segment falls into coordination, allocation, assignment, the Nigerian Communications Commission network services as well as applications registration, monitoring and use of scarce Act of 1992, thereby giving the commission services. This segment, in Nigeria, however, national resources in the communications more independence and power to regulate the is dominated by foreign satellites with only sector, including but not limited to frequency industry. According to the content of the Act, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, spectrum, numbers and electronic Section 3 states that there is established a playing in that space” says Engr Eugene addresses, and also promote and commission to be known as the Nigerian Juwah. The open sky policy, OSP therefore safeguard national interests, safety and Communications Commission with implies the provision of non-discriminatory security in the use of the said scarce responsibility for the regulation of the market access for both domestic and non- national resources. communications sector in Nigeria. domestic satellite and telecommunications As it stands, international coordination of The Nigerian communications commission is service providers. satellite systems is required to be the regulator of telecommunications service Worthy of note is that the Network service undertaken as per the provisions of the provision in the country. The commission is segment is equally liberalized and open to International Radio Regulations of the given the mandate of assuring transparency Nigerians and foreigners alike who intend to International Telecommunications Union and level playing field in its efforts to regulate launch satellites of Nigerian origin. “The (ITU). In this regard, coordination of the industry. The commission has open policy Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, frequency assignments for the individual Ms. Asthma Ibrahim in its attempt top regulate the industry and, NigComSat is licensed by the Commission for satellite networks is necessary with satellite any effort by any groups or individual to the provision of Satellite services in Nigeria,” networks of other administrations for mutual interfere with the regulation will not succeed. says the Nigerian Communications coexistence and interference free As at today, the main ICT sector policies are Commission. operations of these networks. now determined at the national level by the A key development in VSAT deployment is Ministry of Communication Technology and that newer satellites themselves have much Using the power of telecommunication regulated by the Commission. The Nigerian greater power than before. In turn, this means networks and infrastructure, the Nigerian Communications Act empowers the that smaller VSAT antennas can be used to Communications Commission, NCC Commission to regulate satellite capacity receive signals from them. Between the empower citizens and businesses alike in provision and administering radio frequency satellite operators and end-users stand a an attempt to create an equitable and an channels for use by telecommunications large range of satellite service providers, inclusive growth of the nation. This will help service providers. operating in different sectors and markets. At place Nigeria in a leadership position not Accordingly, Section 1 d, e and i Nigerian the Nigerian Communications Commission, merely in the telecom sector, but in also in Communications Act, provides that the our outlook is not confine solely to the 'public' other sectors that rely on it, says the commission shall encourage local and Internet, and thereby abandon the many other Executive Vice Chairman and Chief foreign investments in the Nigerian usually more business orientated IP-based Executive Officer of the commission. communications industry and the introduction applications.' The Nigerian Communications Act of innovative services and practices in the In Nigeria, VSAT is complimentary to other provision encourages local and foreign industry in accordance with international best platforms. The commission is progressing i n v e s t m e n t s i n t h e N i g e r i a n practices and trends, and to also ensure fair toward the realization of its full potential in communications industry and the competition in all sectors of the Nigerian service delivery, as we pursue the goal of introduction of innovative services and communications industry and also encourage cost-effective VSAT-based services for practices in the industry in accordance with participation of Nigerians in the ownership, service providers who are ready and willing to international best practices and trends. control and management of communications bring connectivity for both the rural Accordingly, the commission has strived to companies and organisations. unconnected and corporate interests' alike as ensure fair competition in all sectors of the The Act also to ensure an efficient well as cross-border connectivity solutions. Nigerian communications industry and also m a n a g e m e n t i n c l u d i n g p l a n n i n g , The goal of the Nigerian Communications Act encourage participation of Nigerians in the coordination, allocation, assignment, is to re-position the communications Satellite ownership, control and management of INDUSTRY REPORT

c o m m u n i c a t i o n s c o m p a n i e s a n d Act. For the purposes of subsection (1) of for it. Orbital slots from which commercially organizations.Part of the duty of the this section and notwithstanding the attractive markets can be served are commission is the promotion of fair provisions of section 33(1) of this Act, the becoming increasingly congested. There is competition in the communications industry Commission may from time to time need to manage efficiency of use in order not and protection of communications services specify additional criteria and to hinder competition, innovation and and facilities providers from misuse of qualifications that shall be met by growth. Consequently, in order to avoid market power or anti-competitive and unfair persons wishing to apply for individual interference, while ensuring adequate practices by other service or facilities licences separation between satellites, a priori providers or equipment suppliers. planning procedures which guarantees equitable access to orbit / spectrum Spectrum management resources for future use. Industry licensing powers According to Nigerian Communications The International Telecommunication Commission, licensing is one of the most Management of Satellite filings Union (ITU) is the primary organ that direct ways in which telecom operators The Federal Ministry of Communications is oversees orbital and spectrum resource contribute toward the economy of their host the Administration of Nigeria that interfaces allocation and co-ordination. ITU Radio countries. Today, the major telecom service with the ITU on Filing and coordination Regulations govern the use of spectrum providers are integrated players providing m a t t e r s . H o w e v e r, t h e N i g e r i a n on an international basis and enable various ndustry licensing Communcations Commission, NCC nations to coordinate satellite networks in interfaces between the applying entity and According to Nigerian Communications order to avoid harmful interference and to Commission, licensing is one of the most the Federal Ministry of Communications. allow for maximum efficient utilization of So far, the procedures for Management of direct ways in which telecom operators the orbital resources. contribute toward the economy of their host Satellite filings” has gone through Every National administration like the Stakeholders consultation and public countries. Today, the major telecom service Nigerian Communications Commission, providers are integrated players providing enquiry. It outlines procedures to be taken by NCC is required to manage and companies in Nigeria wishing to submit various telecom services. The Nigerian administer frequency spectrum for the Communications Commission, NCC applications to ITU through Nigeria for communications sector and assisting the processing of satellite filings. It also covers requires a license for all entities that provide National Frequency Management (NFM) broadband access, with the most prevalent details for coordination and registration to Council in developing a national achieve international recognition. licenses being VSAT, 3G mobile, cable TV frequency plan. and the Multimedia Communication The document describes roles and As technology and market changes, and r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e N i g e r i a n Services (SCM). The latter is the most new frequency bands become available common public ISP license, allowing Communications Commission, NCC and the for use, the Nigerian Communications operator applying for the service, for s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y u s i n g w i r e l e s s Commission, NCC periodically review the technologies. Coordination – Article 9 RR, Notification and allocation of spectrum in Nigeria, and recording Article 8, 11 RR and relevant Accordingly, Section 32 of the Nigerian reallocate frequencies consistent with Communications Act empowers the appendixes 30, 30A, 30B. According to the international standards and the interests Nigerian Commission, satellite like any other commission to issue communications of Nigeria's telecommunications industry licences for the operation and provision of wireless technology does not respect and consumers. borders. Unlike the other wireless communications services or facilities by According to the commission, the NCC way of class or individual icences on such technologies however, Satellite has an have also been responsible for efficient international outlook as it transcends many terms and conditions as the Commission management of electromagnetic may from time to time determine taking into geographies. Coordination therefore is done spectrum in recognition of public interest within the framework administered by the consideration the objectives of this Act and in appropriate allocation and use of this the provisions of section 33(3) of this Act. ITU. Two mechanisms for the sharing of orbit scarce resource. This responsibilities and spectrum resources for satellite Also, subject to subsection (3) of this include planning for and allocation of section, the Commission shall from time to applications have been adopted and frequency ranges, consistent with implemented. time determine and publish to the general international conventions and standards; However, same filing is applicable for the public the communications services that assignment of specific frequency bands Geostationary Earth orbit Satellites, GEOs qualify for class or individual licences or that to authorized public operators and private and and non-Geostationary Earth orbit are exempted from licensing. users; monitoring of the proper use of Satellites, Non GEOs. Though, GEOs take However, in February 2006, “The Nigerian radio transmission within the scope of precedence and are protected from Communications Commission, NCC frequency authorizations. interference from Non GEOs. No. 8.1 RR, introduced unified access service licenses Notwithstanding the provisions of any “International rights and obligation of with a single concession covering the other written law but subject to the administrations in respect of own and other provision of fixed, mobile and any other provisions of Communications Act, the administrations frequency assignments shall telecommunications services for a period of Commission have the sole and exclusive be derived from the recording of those 10 years”. It was granted to 13 companies in power to manage and administer the assignment in the Master International total, including the major players in the f r e q u e n c y s p e c t r u m f o r t h e Frequency Register (The Register) or their industry. The licenses cost $2.11m each and communications sector and in that regard conformity, where appropriate with a cover a period of 10 years. The introduction to grant licences for and regulate the use plan.”The International rights are subject to of unified access service licenses was a of the said frequency spectrum, says the the provisions of the Radio Regulations and major change in the market, since it officially Nigerian Communications Commission. those of any relevant frequency allotment or ended the exclusivity period of the operators assignment plan. i n t h e p r o v i s i o n o f m o b i l e Why regulate satellite filing? The Nigerian Communications Act, NCA telecommunications services. According to the Nigerian Commission, confers spectrum management functions for In line with the provision of the Nigerian NCC, spectrum and associated orbital the communications sector on the Communications Act, a person may apply to slots are valuable and limited resources. Commission and this includes the the Commission, in writing and in such form In the world of communications, maintenance of records with respect to the as the Commission may prescribe, for an spectrum is in very high demand for use of the electromagnetic spectrum for individual licence in respect of any matter satellites and other services like mobile wireless telegraphy at places within and requiring an individual licence under this and broadband technologies competing outside Nigeria. IN THE NEWS

ICT goes all out to fight COVID-19 Nigeria broadband penetration hits 39.58%

Governments has put its best foot forward in According to the latest remained in its position as the using ICT tools to figure out the COVID-19 operators maintained their industry statistics released by operator with the highest challenges and has already brought on board unchallenged domination of the Nigerian Communications internet users at 56.49 popular mobile applications and locally- the market with 131.65 Commission (NCC), the million, followed by Airtel developed solutions to control the damages million users on the networks country's telecoms regulator, which serves 36.17 million caused by the pandemic. "So far, we have of mobile network operators total number of active users of while Globacom and 9Mobile customised and launched a bunch of (MNOs), including MTN, internet in the country G l o b a c o m , A i r t e l a n d possess 30.95 million and s o l u t i o n s p a r t n e r i n g w i t h g l o b a l 7.94 million active internet communication platforms and now we can increased by 3.29 million to hit 9Mobile. 132.01 million as at the end of Other operators providing subscribers respectively. predict what will be the scenario after 15 Although data from Internet days," said Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state February this year. internet services in the country as captured by the Live Stats suggest that as at minister for information and communication Saturday May 9, the share of technology. Traditionally, the term NCC data apart from the broadband referred to high- GSM are Voice Over Internet Nigerian population with The ICT division of the government has access to internet hovers already established partnerships with all four speed communications Protocol (VoIP) and fixed around 46.1 per cent, while popular mobile communication applications -- networks that connected end- netwok which have on their the country's share of world Messenger, WhatsApp, Imo and Viber -- and users at a data transfer speed various networks as at the Internet users stood at 2.5 per is offering different services using the greater than 256 Kbit/s. end of February, 353,780 cent as total users of internet channels. Global organisations have and 9,866 users respectively. in the world hit 3.425 billion. As part of a series of initiatives, the ICT chosen to define it more in In terms of new internet users division yesterday declared its partnership terms of an ecosystem. It has