Broadband/Connectivity News Satellite

South Africa considers launching own internet satellite

The satellite service would essentially be offered to the whole of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

A report created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)  commission, which was released to the public earlier this week, has recommended that South Africa launch its own internet satellite to combat connectivity issues.

The government believes this will solve the issue of connectivity, or lack thereof, in these areas. The satellite service would essentially be offered to the whole of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This includes other countries, such as Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Eswatini.

The 4IR diagnostics report was prepared by a 4IR commission constituted by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, towards enhancing development in the country, according to Space in Africa.

The satellite would essentially be able to bridge the gap between underprivileged communities and give them access to information and resources at no cost.