Congo Partners with Monacosat to Enhance Satellite Connectivity and Bridge Digital Divide
The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a MoU with Monaco’s Monacosat to deploy a satellite telecommunications network. This initiative aims to improve connectivity in rural areas and is part of the Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan. Despite low current internet access rates, the partnership seeks to connect millions and enhance access to vital services and infrastructure.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Monacosat, a prominent satellite operator from Monaco. This collaboration is set to advance the deployment of a satellite telecommunications network within the DRC, leveraging Monacosat’s satellite capabilities. The initiative is aimed at bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and remote regions of the country, thereby enhancing overall connectivity through advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The Congolese Ministry of ICT emphasized the importance of this initiative as a critical component of the DRC’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan, which aims to create a robust digital framework to ensure nationwide connectivity. Additionally, this partnership builds upon previous efforts with the Polish government to facilitate the swift development of digital networks throughout the nation. Despite ongoing governmental initiatives, connectivity in the DRC remains unsatisfactory, with only 30.79% of the population having access to mobile internet and a mere 0.0174% utilizing fixed internet services as per the latest data from the Congo Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC). Furthermore, the United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024 highlights stark disparities in telecom infrastructure, indicating that the DRC’s infrastructure development index is significantly below the African average. Pending successful negotiations, Monacosat plans to extend its coverage via the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, which is already active in parts of Africa. This endeavor promises to connect millions of individuals across the DRC, facilitating improved access to educational resources, healthcare services, and digital public services. Moreover, it holds the potential to mitigate delays associated with the expansion of the fiber optic network, which necessitates approximately 50,000 kilometers of additional infrastructure.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces substantial challenges in terms of digital connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The partnership with Monacosat is a strategic move aimed at enhancing satellite telecommunications to improve access to digital services. The Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan represents a comprehensive governmental effort to develop a resilient digital infrastructure, addressing the significant gaps identified in connectivity statistics and infrastructure development indices. Through this collaboration, the DRC seeks to leverage satellite technology to overcome geographic obstacles and accelerate its technological advancement.
In conclusion, the partnership between the DRC and Monacosat signifies a vital step toward enhancing satellite connectivity in the nation. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan, aiming to bridge the digital divide and improve access to essential services for millions of Congolese citizens. The projected expansion of Monacosat’s coverage has the potential to significantly transform the educational and healthcare landscapes in the DRC, addressing pressing connectivity issues and fostering regional development.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
