Possible use of satellites in rural telecommunications in Africa

In most of the African countries, telecommunication facilities exist only in a few major cities in which not more than 20 percent of the population resides. About 80 percent of the population resides in the rural areas, but this overwhelming majority has no access to telecommunications. With the advent of satellite communications which is distance insensitive, and in particular, the widespread use of regional and domestic satellites, many studies have indicated the possibility of launching an African satellite to provide regional coverage to African countries. Such a regional satellite will extend telecommunications beyond a few cities to the remote villages. The author highlights some of the features of the OLYMPUS satellite which would facilitate the study and planning of an African satellite system. The cost-effective manner in which remote areas could utilise the associated small Earth terminals is also considered