Webinar: Aftermath of the Undersea Cable Cut - Should Africa have Inter-Satellite Links as Backup?
In March 2024, telecommunications users in the African region experienced a disruption in telecommunications services as a result of the cuts in undersea communication cables. Mobile phone users were unable to access services like calls and SMS. Banking services were disrupted.
This disruption was witnessed in some Central, West and Southern African. The result of this disruption meant that millions of service users were denied access to telecommunications services and the Internet. Banks reported losses as some of them rely on the cables for international transactions. Other commercial activities were affected.
How may future occurrences be avoided? What role can satellite communications play in the future of telecommunications in Africa? How may future such occurrences be avoided? What policies, regulations and partnerships, are needed for improving access to satellite technologies and services in Africa?
These questions and more will be answered by Mr. Timothy Ashong (Acting Director-General, Regional African Satellite Communications Satellite) in the forthcoming webinar.
Mr. Ashong, as the Acting Director General of the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM), brings over two decades of experience in networking, spectrum management, and satellite regulatory environments. His academic achievements include a Master of Science in Communications Management from New Buckinghamshire University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering from All Nations University, Ghana. His extensive expertise has been instrumental in advancing Africa's telecommunications landscape.
Mr. Ashong was a key member of Ghana's delegation to the recently concluded World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai, UAE. He served as the Vice-chair of Study Group 4 ITU-R for two consecutive terms during the WRC-15 and WRC-19. His active participation in global and regional radiocommunication conferences and leadership in the ECOWAS satellite regulatory group underscore his vital role in shaping telecommunications regulations and promoting effective spectrum management both in Africa and on the international stage.