Cameroon Telecommunication (CAMTEL) and other stakeholders of the Regional African Satellite Communication Organisations (RASCOM) have adopted digital connectivity for African Satellite Communication operators.
This was during the 74th session of the Board of the Directors conference which kicked off May 22nd in Yaounde and will run till May 24, 2024.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of RASCOM, Bini Kouame, the organization “has been going through a number of difficulties, and at one point we gave the impression that we were on the inter-black line”, he however assured that “work has been underway for practically two years now”.
The meeting he said was at Cameroons request and “Director General of CAMTEL agreed to receive us and today we are at the 74th ordinary session of the Board of Directors”.
According to the Director General of RASCOM, Timothy “it is very crucial at this moment for Africa to take stock of what you have in terms of satellite activities and how we are going forward”.
He added that at the last meeting “the board approved the strategic approach for at least five years and today we are still going to highlight it and also build on that strategic approach”.
The Director General hoped that after the meeting “we are going to have some output in our items which will go a long way to help the African community satellite communications market for the betterment of Africa”.
“This board meeting is being held in a very important context, given the events of March, when the submarine cable was cut. Today, the satellite solution presents an opportunity and a redundancy that will enable all countries to be connected at all times, whatever problems we may have with other communications systems such as submarines” attested the General Manager of CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi.
Enter RASCOM
The African Regional Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (RASCOM) with headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire was created in May 1992 within the auspices of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).
RASCOM has as goal to bring together all African states to work together to implement and operate common telecommunications infrastructure for Africa in order to; provide an efficient and economical means of telecommunications. This includes the requirements for transmission of sound and television broadcasting and community reception by satellite to all areas in Africa with a view to fostering the development of African countries.
2024-2029 Strategy
RASCOM is at the forefront of a transformative journey in the satellite communications, dedicated to bridging the digital divide across Africa. Their strategy is rooted in fostering string partnerships, enhancing technical expertise and driving sustainable growth.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, RASCOM aims to create a unified network of connectivity and innovation, making significant strides towards eradicating the digital gap and catalyzing socio-economic development continent-wide.
RASCOM is dedicated to enhancing collaboration with Ministries in ICT, African satellite operators, Space Agencies, and National Telecommunication Regulatory Authorities, advocating for our mission at regional and international telecommunications forums.
Collaborate with other established institutions, both within and outside Africa, to create customized training curricula that encompass satellite technologies, operations and related ones.
Collaborate with governments, the African Union, Satellite Operators, Space Agencies and regional organizations to leverage resources for technological advancement, aiming to establish a satellite constellation that enhances communication across the continent.
Woth with national space agencies, and regional organisations to advocate for harmonized policies, ensuring a unified market for satellite communications that aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for African Satellite Operators.
Collaboration between RASCOM and African satellite operators to resell their capacities within their footprint. Lead member states to benefit from improved access to data, telecommunication services, and other critical applications by contributing to the overall development and growth of African nations.
Collaborating for African Administrations to act as a bloc, through RASCOM, to secure orbital positions and spectrum resources from the ITU which will be pooled together for the benefit of the whole continent.
By
Bizel Bi-Mafor
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