The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed an MoU with MonacoSat to enhance satellite connectivity and address the digital divide, particularly in rural regions. Leveraging MonacoSat’s satellite resources, the initiative supports the DRC’s Horizon 2025 Digital Plan and aims to improve internet access, which currently faces significant challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MonacoSat, a prominent satellite operator, to enhance telecommunications infrastructures across the nation. This collaboration aims to deploy a satellite telecommunications network utilizing MonacoSat’s resources to facilitate better connectivity in the DRC, particularly in rural and underprivileged regions. According to the Congolese Ministry of ICT, this initiative is a vital component of the country’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan, which aspires to create robust digital networks and improve universal connectivity. Despite various government efforts to improve digital access, the DRC is still grappling with low internet penetration rates. Recent statistics from the Congo Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) indicate that as of June 30, 2023, only 30.79% of the population had mobile internet access, while fixed internet usage remained nearly negligible at 0.0174%. Additionally, the United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024 highlights that the DRC’s telecom infrastructure index is considerably below the African average, reflecting the challenges the nation faces in developing a cohesive telecom framework. If the partnership progresses successfully, MonacoSat intends to broaden its operational scope throughout the DRC, leveraging the existing TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite already in service in Africa. The fruition of this initiative could significantly enhance the access of millions of Congolese citizens to vital resources such as education, healthcare, and digital public services, thereby ameliorating the adverse impact of delays in deploying the fiber optic network, which necessitates close to 50,000 kilometers of extension for comprehensive coverage.
The Democratic Republic of Congo lacks adequate digital connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas, making it essential for the government to seek partnerships that can bridge this digital divide. The MoU signed with MonacoSat symbolizes a strategic move towards establishing a satellite telecommunications network that aligns with national digital plans. This initiative not only aims to boost connectivity but also complements existing efforts to improve the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, making digital services more accessible to all citizens. Furthermore, the collaboration reflects a broader trend of leveraging satellite technology to address connectivity challenges in regions where traditional fiber optic infrastructure is lacking.
The partnership between the DRC and MonacoSat represents a significant stride towards enhancing satellite connectivity within the region, particularly for underserved communities. This initiative is pivotal in supporting the DRC’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan and addressing the urgent need for improved telecommunications infrastructure. If successful, this collaboration could connect millions of Congolese citizens, facilitating better access to essential services and bridging the persistent digital divide in the country.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
