Congo Partners With Monacosat To Enhance Satellite Connectivity And Bridge Digital Divide

The Democratic Republic of Congo has partnered with Monacosat to enhance satellite connectivity as part of its Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan. This collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas by deploying a satellite telecommunications network. Current statistics show low connectivity rates, with 30.79% of the population having access to mobile internet.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formalized a partnership with Monacosat, a prominent satellite operator in Monaco, through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to implement a satellite telecommunications network across the DRC, utilizing Monacosat’s satellite capabilities. The primary objective is to enhance connectivity in rural and remote regions, thereby addressing the existing digital divide. As indicated by the Congolese Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, this initiative is a fundamental component of the DRC’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan. The plan strives to create a resilient digital infrastructure that promotes nationwide connectivity, building on previous collaborations, including one with the Polish government to boost digital networks within the nation. Despite governmental efforts, the DRC continues to face challenges regarding connectivity. Recent statistics from the Congo Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) reveal that only 30.79% of the population has access to mobile internet, with fixed internet service usage at a meager 0.0174%. The United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024 highlighted these disparities, noting that the DRC’s telecom infrastructure development index stands at a mere 0.1591 compared to the African average of 0.4534. Should negotiations proceed positively, Monacosat is poised to enhance its coverage across the DRC via the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, which is already operational in Africa. This expansion holds promise for connecting millions of Congolese citizens and improving access to vital services, such as education, healthcare, and digital public services, while alleviating delays associated with the expansion of the fiber optic network that requires nearly 50,000 kilometers of additional coverage.

The digital landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo has historically faced significant barriers, particularly in rural and remote areas where connectivity is minimal. In response, the DRC government has embarked on ambitious plans to enhance digital infrastructure as part of the Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan. This initiative aims to utilize satellite technology to overcome geographical constraints and improve access to essential services, particularly in underserved regions. In this context, the recent partnership with Monacosat signals a strategic move towards leveraging satellite capabilities to bridge the digital divide, reflecting a broader focus on technological advancement in the nation and fostering international collaboration, as seen in previous agreements with other countries like Poland.

In summary, the partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Monacosat marks a proactive step towards improving telecommunications and bridging the digital divide within the country. By deploying a satellite network, the DRC intends to enhance connectivity for its citizens, particularly those in rural areas, thereby supporting the Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan. Despite current challenges regarding internet accessibility, this initiative promises to advance digital infrastructure, fostering greater access to education, healthcare, and public services.

Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com