Connect with us

Telecom

Disaster Recovery Technology: Satellite Communication for Moral, Welfare and Recreation

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Andrew Aroh

Moral, Welfare and Recreation [MWR] programs are a key part of Government and Emergency Response Operation. MWR networks are designed to support remotely deployed emergency response personnel, civilian employees, etc.

Satellite communication plays an important role in MWR programs. due to the fact that emergency response personnel may be deployed in areas suffering from manmade or natural disaster with no terrestrial connectivity.

The amount of data, voice and video exchanged in MWR networks. has grown substantially, along with the wide number of support service that are being offered.

Government and emergency response officials continuously seek new technologies to drive down bandwidth requirements and are working for ways to lower satellite bandwidth cost.

Advertisement

These objectives can be achieved through efficient satellite communication technology solution such as;

  • Adaptive code modulation
  • Cross-layer optimization
  • Data casting
  • Global Reach and Fast Deployment:
  • Humanitarian missions into man-made or natural disaster areas, and peace keeping /relief operations take government and emergency response personnel to remote locations where often terrestrial communication infrastructure is unavailable, or has been destroyed.
  • Scalable Multi-Service Hub:
  • Through the Multi-Service Hub both large setup camps small sites and trucks can be connected with a common forward satellite carrier in order to establish access to MWR video, voice or data services[internet, intranet, TV broadcasting entertainment, telecom]
  • The return technology can be SCPC or MF-TDMA [or a combination] depending on the return data, Size of the remote, Configuration of the network [point-to-point, point-to-multipoint]
  • The Multi-Service hub provides reliable 2-way IP connectivity through a versatile and scalable hub as well as cost-effective and low power consumption remote terminals.
  • The network contains management functions for:

Monitoring and control, SLA Management, QoS, Fair user policy.

  • Double Throughput is some Bandwidth:
  • Both the amount of voice, data and video traffic and the number of MWR networks over satellite have increased substantially.
  • The boost in rates needs to be balanced with the lack of satellite capacity over some areas of operation.
  • Dedicated technologies are being used in a large number of MWR networks to achieve maximum throughput independent of the selected satellite.

At the same time important OPEX reductions can be accomplished.

The used technologies include: Adaptive code modulation, Bandwidth cancellation, Clean channel technology, Equalink.

  • Optimal Service Availability over variable conditions;
  • Even in the most hatsh and hostile conditions it is important to have MWR networks over satellite available for crew and emergency response personnel at all times.
  • However, Fading conditions could seriously disturbed the satellite transmission and lead to temporary link losses.
  • Fading conditions could be due to different circumstances;

The choice of satellite [inclined orbit, ku,-ka-and x-band]

Environmental [tain, dust]

Interference [between two adjacent satellites]

  • Therefore with the auto-adaptive technology these fading conditions will no longer interrupt the transmission between the hub and remote sites nor result in the loss of data.
  • Moreover, service priorities [e.g, voice, data, video] and Quality-of service policies can be auto-adapted on-the-fly depending on the bandwidth availability through Cross-Layer Optimization technology.
  • Support of Voice Data and Video
  • Moral Welfare and Recreation services are a combination of:
  • Voice [calling the home front]
  • Data [social media, email, browsing]
  • Video [news, sports, entertainment, TV and broadcast, training movies]
  • Most of these streaming and file-transfer based services have converged towards IP.
  • Through a multi-service platform the different MWR services over IP can be combined either in the hub or the remote into a single carrier for efficient over satellite at optimal service availability.
  • For the broadband experience over satellite moderns and terminals the MWR network implement the most efficient technologies:
  • Adaptive Code Modulation in the forward link
  • Adaptive return technologies
  • Embedded IP traffic enhancement

Software [aka Cross-Layer-Optimization]:

  • Shaping
  • TCP acceleration
  • Pre-fetching
  • Compression
  • Next to an improved end-user experience, considetable cost gains can be achieved:
  • Reduction of Webpage word. Time up to 60%
  • Reduction of file Download up to 90%
  • Up to 35% Bandwidth Reduction
  • Reliable and Efficient Data Casting:
  • Multicasting MWR content towards remote sites and total areas with Data casting software will immediately result in important efficiency and OPEX gains.
  • The transmission towards remotes are aggregated in a common efficient DVB-S2 ACM forward over satellite.
  • The content is stored on the server located at the remote.
  • The reliability of the data casting [digital cinema, news, shows, etc.] is enhanced by the software’s partial retransmission capabilities.

Only the detected missing fragments are retransmitted which provides important OPEX gains for services on- the-move or those suffering from fading or interference conditions.

  • Data casting software also has the following possibilities:
  • Dynamic scheduling & prioritization
  • Authentication, Authorization & Accounting
  • Automated content Distribution via ‘’hot folders’’
  • Monitoring & Control.

Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria

Advertisement

Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

ntel Plays Down Calls and Data Services, Moves to BET Agenda

Published

on

Kindly share this post

ntel, has officially moved away from its traditional voice and data business, unveiling a major transformation that will see it focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and technology-driven services.

ntel Plays Down Calls and Data Services, Moves to BET Agenda

As part of the consolidation process, ntel unveiled The Next Frontier, a transformation agenda planned to see the firm transform into an integrated digital infrastructure, connectivity and real estate enterprise.

Its new focus is a now BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan and the drivers said that the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.

The launch comes as ntel continues its journey towards regaining spectrum assets, while actively leveraging strategic partnerships to redefine innovation in the telecommunications industry and unlock new pathways for growth.

Built on the company’s BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan – the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.

Advertisement

The launch comes as ntel continues its journey towards regaining spectrum assets, while actively leveraging strategic partnerships to redefine innovation in the telecommunications industry and unlock new pathways for growth.

The company also showcased a portfolio of initiatives designed to strengthen its position as a future-focused infrastructure platform.

Under Beam, ntel announced the launch of WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution that delivers seamless connectivity for international travellers, alongside AirFibre, a high-speed fixed wireless broadband service designed to provide reliable internet access for businesses.

Under Titan, the company highlighted its growing infrastructure business focused on tower development, fibre connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services, and infrastructure sharing solutions that enable operators, enterprises, and technology providers to expand efficiently and sustainably.

A major highlight of the launch was Eden, ntel’s real estate development platform, which is transforming NatCom’s extensive property portfolio into high-value commercial and residential developments.

Advertisement

To further push its transformation, the company unveiled three flagship projects. They are Eden Place, a premium multi-storey commercial development in Lagos’ prime business district.

There is also Nova Place, a modern commercial development strategically located within Port Harcourt’s growing technology and business hub.

Terenna Court, a premium multi-storey residential apartment development in Abuja.

Together, these projects demonstrate ntel’s ambition to unlock the full potential of its real estate assets through strategic partnerships, innovative design, and long-term value creation.

Speaking at the unveiling of The Next Frontier, Soji Maurice-Diya, managing director/chief executive officer, NatCom Development and Investment Limited (trading as ntel),  described the initiative as far more than a business transformation strategy.

Advertisement

According to him, it represents the company’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that connects people, empowers businesses, drives digital inclusion, and creates sustainable economic value for Nigeria.

 

 

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Airtel Delivers Free Employability Training to Young Nigerians @ World Youth Skills Day

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s future workforce with a high-impact virtual masterclass designed to equip young people with the practical skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The Initiative, held to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, themed “Skills for a Shared Future – The NextGen Advantage,” presented a platform on which experienced Airtel professionals provided mentorship and coaching to undergraduates, interns, and recent graduates for the current realities of formal work environments.

Organised on the auspices of the Airtel Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), by which staff donate their time and expertise towards social programmes, the 90-minute virtual masterclass, which was attended by over 400 undergraduates and young professionals, extended the reach of the Foundation’s education and youth development programmes.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said investing in young people remains one of the most impactful ways to build Nigeria’s future economy.

He said, “The future of work is changing faster than ever before, and success will increasingly belong to those who are equipped with the right skills, the right mindset, and the confidence to adapt. As an organisation, we believe that empowering young people with practical digital and professional capabilities is an investment in Nigeria’s future competitiveness.

Advertisement

Through our Employee Volunteer Programme, our people are sharing not just knowledge, but real industry experience to help shape careers, unlock opportunities, and prepare the next generation to lead in a digital world.”

Unlike traditional career seminars, the masterclass adopted an interactive learning model that offered participants the option to select specialised breakout sessions aligned with personal interests and career aspirations.

In his keynote remarks titled The Next Gen Advantage, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, noted that the future will be shaped by the skills to transform great ideas into impactful solutions.

He summed up the pathway to a future-ready career into five actions, namely learning continuously, solving problems, building a digital reputation, embracing Artificial Intelligence, and developing human skills.

“Technical knowledge remains important, but employers today are equally looking for adaptability, collaboration, communication, digital confidence, and the ability to learn continuously,” he said.

Advertisement

In the first general session titled Your Network is Your Net Worth, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, Director, Human Resources and Administration, Airtel Nigeria, charged attendees to build character. The second general session themed Your Money, Your Future, delivered tips on budgeting and financial discipline was facilitated by Olakunbi Osigbesan, Head, Treasure, Smartcash PSB.

Following the general sessions were five breakout rooms, in which attendees were offered curated guides designed to develop contemporary workplace competencies.

The first session, Digital Transformation and Growth, led by Oyebowale Akideinde, General Manager, Digital and Innovation, Airtel Nigeria, presented a mechanism to leverage digital platforms for visibility and opportunity creation.

The CV Clinic and Interview Masterclass, which was led by Chidera Okoye, HR Outsourcing Lead, Airtel Nigeria, discussed practical recruitment strategies, including applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CVs, and the STAR interview framework.

A third session on Communication and Personal Branding, delivered by Sam Adeoye, Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, focused on value presentation, executive communication, and earned visibility, built on “V.I.R.A.L.”, a mnemonic device created for the attendees by the facilitator.

Advertisement

The programme also featured a dedicated session titled AI as Your Superpower, presented by Ezenwa Agbanusi, IT Governance Executive at Airtel Nigeria, in which participants discussed prompt engineering and AI-powered tools for enhanced learning, creativity, and workplace performance.

Corporate Social Responsibility Lead at Airtel Nigeria, Victoria Ndu, led the fifth breakout room on Emotional Intelligence, with a guide on building a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) for improved workplace and business performance.

By connecting future professionals directly with industry experts, the company continues to support the development of a workforce equipped to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy and contribute to shared prosperity.

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Meta to Alert Parents if Teens Discuss Suicide or Self-Harm With AI

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Meta has announced new safety measures that will notify parents when teenagers using its artificial intelligence assistant show possible signs of suicide or self-harm during conversations.

Meta to Alert Parents if Teens Discuss Suicide or Self-Harm With AI

The company said the initiative is aimed at ensuring age-appropriate AI experiences while helping parents provide timely support to children who may be in emotional distress.

Under the new feature, parents using Instagram’s parental supervision tools will receive alerts if Meta AI detects that a teen’s conversation indicates a potential risk of suicide or self-harm.

Meta said the alerts would be based on signals developed in collaboration with mental health experts and would include resources to help parents respond appropriately.

According to the company, all conversations flagged by its AI system will undergo manual review before any notification is sent to parents to minimise false alerts.

Advertisement

Meta said that where a teen’s intentions remain unclear, it would err on the side of caution by informing supervising parents.

The company also announced plans to introduce a system that would enable it to alert emergency responders when conversations with Meta AI suggest that a user—whether a teenager or an adult—may be at imminent risk of taking their own life.

It said the initiative builds on its existing suicide prevention efforts across Facebook and Instagram, where the company already notifies emergency services about credible suicide threats.

Meta disclosed that it made more than 19,000 referrals to emergency responders worldwide in the past year, leading to welfare checks on individuals considered to be at risk.

To improve the quality of its responses, the technology company said it consulted more than 75 clinicians specialising in adolescent mental health to review how Meta AI responds to prompts relating to suicide and self-harm.

Advertisement

The experts evaluated hundreds of AI interactions and provided recommendations on making responses more empathetic while directing teenagers to professional support and trusted adults.

Meta said it had incorporated the recommendations into its AI system to ensure more supportive and age-appropriate conversations.

The company also announced that its stricter Limited Content setting for Instagram Teen Accounts would now apply to Meta AI conversations.

According to Meta, the setting further limits the types of conversations teenagers can have with the AI assistant by declining to respond to a broader range of sensitive prompts.

The parental alert feature is already available to supervising parents in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, while global rollout is expected before the end of the year.

Advertisement

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending