Satellite-Mania in Southern Africa
Telecommunications technology has developed several systems and tools in recent years. It aims to be at the forefront of digital process, regardless of the various circumstances that may block the communication and coverage, such as the weather or geographic location, in order for the various economic sectors to develop their commercial activity. Satellite services, which allows connectivity in remote locations without the need for complex ground structures to access the internet service or specific programs and/or developments are required to achieve this.
Hundreds of millions of dollars invested in it, 23 years after South Africa sent SunSat-1, the first African satellite, into space. Since 2016, African states have launched 20 satellites, for a total of 41 satellites. Egypt is in first place with nine satellites launched. South Africa is second with eight, Algeria is third with seven, Nigeria is fourth with six, and Morocco is third with three. The list is completed by Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius.
The African space scene has seen tremendous success in recent years. African countries have focused heavily on creating systems that can provide a consistent and adequate signal to guarantee access to voice, data, and communication services in challenging-to-reach locations.
ZimSat-1, Zimbabwe’s first orbiting satellite finally made it to space in the early hours of November 7, nearly 4 years since the government launched the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) way back in 2018. Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has recently announced that the country’s first satellite, Bot-Sat-1, which was kicked off in December 2020, is set to be launched in 2023.
With Satellite services having the ability to open up digital economies and provide access to enterprise-class, high-speed voice, video and data applications, both Southern African countries can inclusively grow their wireless communication services.
Specific Benefits of Satellite Services
Different organizations and more developed nations have chosen to use satellite services to close this communication gap. Since building the infrastructure needed to provide internet service requires a significant investment, access to the network has generally benefited trade, education, and business in major cities.
The capacity to supply network everywhere in the world at speeds of several megabits over great distances like oceans and entire continents, which can be covered with a single satellite in a quick and easy manner, is one of the most illustrative benefits that satellite internet gives to businesses. A secure private link can also be used to connect numerous remote locations that are separated by great distances.
The likelihood of service outages is minimal because to the satellite network, which consists of a satellite, teleporter, NOC, and terminal. Which is a huge benefit for businesses in remote locations that require access independent of any external variables like the weather. Several applications can benefit from satellite technology, including extending the edge of terrestrial networks to inaccessible locations and serving as a standalone solution such as: Enterprise Connectivity; Retail Transactions; Internet Connections (ISPs); Video/TV Direct to Home; Maritime; Cellular Backhaul; Military Defense; Energy & Utilities; Oil & Gas; Business Continuity; Disaster Recovery/Emergency Relief; Education & Training and Aeronautical Connectivity.
The progress of both countries is not short of Masisi’s description as the president had described the step as a “huge milestone towards a knowledge-based economy.” The SGAC had noted that it was necessary that African countries continue to increase their investment in the space sector as it contributes to the objectives of the continent for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Both countries will soon begin to achieve this growth.