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SATCON and National Security: A New Strategic Partnership is Required in Nigeria (1 of 3)

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By Andrew Aroh

Nigeria is preparing to cope with a wide range of threats by terrorists, as well as manmade or natural disasters.

  • Now, more that ever Satellite technology is an important element in the nation’s domestic security and its various emergency response systems.
  • Andrew Aroh

  • Our reference case is the United States of America that have emergency communications coordinators In several states, as well as officials in both the office of National Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) – the equivalent of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
  • Satellite is a key component of FEMA’s comprehensive consequent management strategy.
  • The following offices are vital for a broader implementation of satellite solutions:
    1. Office of National preparedness
    2. Preparedness and response bureau
    3. Systems Engineering division
    4. Communications and warning
  • When everything is collapsed or fragmented on the scene, Satellite can quickly rise to the occasion, reinforcing and enhancing any incident command structure. FEMA and NEMA know this for years, as they are big users of Satellite as it should be.
  • For example, when the circuits at FEMA’s regional office in New York City were knocked out on September 11 2001, FEMA immediately activated it’s Ku-band and MSAT Satellite systems. They were able to get that office up and running just in time.
  • FEMA has a fleet of large truck trailers known as the Mobile Airborne Transportable Telecom Systems (MATTS) as well as smaller Mobile Emergency Response Systems (MERS). Both are VSAT-equipped.
  • FEMA also routinely uses handheld devices linked to Orbcomm (Little LEO) in order to update assignments for FEMA personnel in the field.
  • Recently, FEMA has started tapping on lower cost Ka-band terminals for a variety of purposes.
  • Given what Satellite can do in times of dire need, several large states have sophisticated Satellite infrastructure at their disposal.
  • At the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), the Emergency Satellite communications system (ESATCOM) consists of 109 remote terminals statewide for high-speed data, voice, internet access and e-mail between the Emergency/Operations center and any remote site.
  • Remote terminals are available in several mobile command posts and on three dedicated trailers to permit communications directly from affected areas.
  • Any remote site can contact the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), via voice or a special e-mail system, to:
    • Request assistance
    • Provide emergency information
    • Offer emergency assistance
  • Remote sites ac access the communications and warning Division’s database on any entry to:
    • Originate
    • Edit
    • Review
    • Conduct status checks
  • Any remote site can participate in a one-way video broadcast or two-way video conference, and can access up to 48 telephone lines if their local system has failed.
  • ESATCOM is used not only in day-to-day operations. It also serves as a backbone to activate any or all of the state’s radio and television stations with emergency information.
  • The Emergency operations center (EOC) also processes severe weather information from NOAA/NWS Satellites, and from private firms for analysis and evaluation.
  • All weather watch and warning conditions are relayed to the appropriate counties via Satellite.
  • In California, the Governor Office of Emergency Services (OES) has access to 68 remote sites, two hubs and five transportable known as Operational area Satellite Information System (OASIS) trailers, as well as additional three trailers as a spare for the Telecommunications section.
  • The biggest challenge so far is getting people so familiar with the satellite network that using it becomes second nature.
  • Like any technology, if you have been trained to use it, but never needed to, you are less likely to remember how, especially in an emergency when tensions are high.
  • OES provides the public with emergency information via an Emergency Digital Information Services(EDIS).
  • OASIS serves as its backbone delivery system to all counties (local governments) in California.
  • OES uses 1.2meter VSATs so that local emergency managers can direct emergency newswire feeds to local broadcasters.
  • The EDIS bulletins are a supplement to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in California.
  • In addition to the OASIS, OES uses the mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) Sat phones for all it’s field coordinators.
  • The Sat phones affords them the flexibility to communicate anywhere in North America back to the State warning center sacrament to using either the custom talk group on PTT(push to talk) or cellular like telephone. Pennsylvania is yet another State where Satellite plays a key role.
  • For example, with an uplink vehicle, a phone flying overhead can feed live video down to the truck, which can then uplink that same signal via Satellite back directly to the governor of Pennsylvania and his emergency management team faraway
  • As for the 40-plus federal agencies that come under the oversight umbrella of the office of National Security the list of Satellite assets is enormous. These includes:
    • The domestic Satellite resources of the Defense Department (DOD) via the Defense Information System Agency (DISA).
    • Assets now in place under the formed Northern command.
  • At the State level, there are:
    • Civilian support teams (CSTs) which are now in all the states
    • Various Army National Guard Units
    • Combat Communications squadrons in the Air National Guard
    • Others
  • They all have considerable Satellite resources at their disposal including:
    • UHF SATCOM (TAC-SAT/UNET)
    • Ground Mobile Forces Satellite Radio, which can provide both secure and open phone links as well as access to NIPRNET (open internet) and SIPRNET (secure internet).
    • Multiple radio band and combat net radio interfaces.
  • How exactly these military units will mesh with their civilian counterparts, as well as how the different civilian agencies will mesh together in a seamless fashion need to be resolved.
  • Interoperability is a key issue we need to look at this deeply. It is clear that we want to fix it fast within the local environment, starting with local police, fire department as well as flood division.

OBSERVATIONS

  • So far, we have not seen a large value adds for some sort of single homogenous network. This should integrate local decision-makers.
  • Because the National Security block grants to State have few strings attached, it is possible that States might use the funds to purchase Satellite equipment under the directive of NEMA
  • Where exactly is the office of National Security heading when it comes to communications oversight and any coordination of Satellite communications? This remains to be seen.
  • The coming budget signals that the government wants NEMA to quickly streamline and simplify any and all resources acquisition procedures for the States.
  • Making interoperable Communication gear available – including Satellite gear – need to be a high priority.
  • Limited state budgets in many instance simply do not allow for any widespread implementation of Satellite technology.
  • So, will the threat of terrorist attack and recent signs of natural disasters in the country alter this situation?
  • Will an office of Emergency Satellite Communication be created?
  • Or will the existing set of plans overseen as part of the National Communication System (NCS) suffice?
  • If the president’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory committee is formulating anything resembling a Satellite specific agenda, we have yet to detect it.
  • A lot of arrows are pointing in the direction of a more integrated approach to emergency satcom.
  • Avoiding any unnecessary and burdensome expansion of infrastructure is a priority as well.
  • The real objective is meeting the critical communications needs of the end users, weather we are talking about:
    • First responders
    • Emergency management coordinators
    • The general public
  • Emergency Satcom is not an exotic solution. It should be available for instantaneous use in every state.
  • Commercial space capabilities are increasingly important to the ability of Nigeria to achieve its national security objectives.
  • Consequently, fostering commercial space will shift from a secondary consideration concerned with the economic health of the nation, to a necessary strategy for achieving military and intelligence mission objectives.
  • This will lead to new programs and policies aimed at ensuring commercial capabilities are available in the future for emergency/military operations as required.

Andrew Aroh is President SSPI Nigeria


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GSMA Report Highlights Telecom Sector’s Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP

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A recent Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report has cast a spotlight on the significant contributions of Nigeria’s telecom sector to the nation’s GDP, highlighting its crucial role in driving economic growth and development.

Released amidst growing interest in the Nigerian telecom landscape, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s impact on the country’s economic metrics. Key findings reveal that in 2023 alone, the telecom sector directly contributed 8% to Nigeria’s total GDP. However, when factoring in the wider ICT industries’ value-added contributions, this figure surged to an impressive 13.5%.

Beyond mere numbers, the report delves into the intricacies of the telecom sector’s influence on various economic sectors. It elucidates how the mobile industry’s cumulative contribution to Nigeria’s GDP reached an estimated 20 trillion NGN in 2023, accompanied by substantial tax revenue contributions totalling 2.8 trillion NGN. Such figures further highlight the sector’s role in driving fiscal revenues and national economic stability.

Moreover, the report sheds light on the transformative potential of the telecom sector in enabling digitalisation across key industries. Projections indicate that by 2028, sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government are poised to witness a remarkable GDP increase of approximately 2 percentage points.

This surge is expected to generate an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenue, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and resilience.

“The telecommunications sector is the backbone of the digital economy. We have a strong appreciation of the fact that if we are able to improve the business environment and invest in the sector, we can continue to improve the level of productivity.

A country like Nigeria has significant opportunities to contribute to the world, but this is impossible without diversifying the economy”. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy added.

The report also highlights the vital role of 5G networks in enhancing operational efficiency across sectors through real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.

It spotlights the immense potential of digitalisation in sectors like manufacturing and trade, with the capacity to add trillions in industry value and generate substantial employment opportunities and tax revenues.

Despite these promising revelations, the report also acknowledges the challenges faced by the telecom sector, particularly its capital-intensive nature.

The report’s findings beckon a clarion call for concerted efforts to leverage the telecom sector’s potential as a catalyst for economic advancement. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria stands poised to harness the full spectrum of opportunities offered by its vibrant telecom landscape, driving inclusive growth and prosperity for all.


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Tariff Increase Advocacy Gains Momentum as GSMA Report Reveals Industry Insights

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While the advocacy for tariff increase remains under deliberations, revelations in the latest Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report have watered the ground for an increased tariff increase advocacy. The report, offering a deep dive into the sector’s dynamics, provides compelling arguments for adjusting tariffs to ensure sustainability and growth.

L-R: Juergen Peschel, Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairperson, Globacom; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSM Association (GSMA); Ibrahim Dikko, Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Networks Nig. Ltd.; at the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report launch in Abuja on May 9 2024.

Highlighted in the report is the telecom sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 8% of the nation’s total GDP, a figure that swelled to 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem. The mobile industry’s overall contribution to GDP was estimated at a staggering 20 trillion NGN, with substantial tax revenues of 2.8 trillion NGN.

The sector’s potential to drive digitalisation across various domains is of paramount importance. The report projects a significant boost in GDP across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government, translating into nearly 2 million jobs and an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenues by 2028.

The promise of 5G networks is poised to revolutionise operations, particularly in critical sectors like oil and mining, with real-time data transmission and remote monitoring enhancing efficiency. Digitalisation, especially in manufacturing and trade, holds immense potential for value addition and job creation, promising billions in additional tax revenues.

Despite Nigeria’s noteworthy internet usage figures, with 29% of the population regularly online, the sector faces challenges. The country boasts the lowest-cost data baskets in Africa, yet maintaining competitive mobile data network speeds remains essential. With an average speed of 21Mbps, Nigeria’s performance is comparable to neighbouring countries, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

However, sustaining this growth requires recognizing the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector. Operators must continually invest in network maintenance and expansion, necessitating a conducive regulatory environment that ensures fair returns on investments.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commenting during the report launch, said, “We raised several issues on the state of affairs of the telecom industry, and among the challenges articulated is the return on investment, stability of the infrastructure and the need for pricing rights. As an ecosystem, tariff hike is one of the sensitive issues affecting the telecom sector and has to be addressed by all stakeholders. We need to look at the state of affairs of the industry and examine holistically. There are ongoing obligations to our end users including infrastructure security. Tariff increase is a solution to solve multiple challenges of the telecom industry.“

The GSMA report positions the ongoing tariff adjustment deliberations as a strategic move to secure the sector’s long-term viability. With Nigeria’s digital future at stake, finding a balance between affordability for consumers and sustainability for operators is paramount to ensure continued growth and innovation in the telecom landscape.

 


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The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

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Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said the telecoms sector should not be a palliative to solve economic woes.

The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON,

He made this call during his address at the Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report launch which took place in Abuja.

According to Adebayo, the telecom industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development.

He emphasized the need for sustainable investment, effective regulation, and a conducive business environment to drive progress.

The GSMA digital report, launched May 9th 2024, 2024, highlights the telecom’s 8 percent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem.

The report also highlights the significant challenges plaguing the industry including investment challenges, right of way, multiple taxation, and regulation.

Adebayo highlighted the existence of over 45 associated charges and levies on operators, despite the supposed removal of right of way costs.

He said that it creates an unfavorable business environment, discouraging investment and hindering the industry’s ability to deliver quality services.

He also stressed that regulatory interference and the lack of independence for the regulator exacerbate the problem.

The price review should be a simple regulatory process.

The public debate this has gained makes it appear the industry is insensitive to people’s concern.

“While the government tries to provide incentives for the public on account of ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, the telecoms  sector should not be used as a palliative to solve the people’s problem. We must price right to sustain the industry; we must price right to have the right investment,” , Adebayo said.

He concluded that the industry must be allowed to operate sustainably, with the right investment and regulation, to deliver quality services and drive economic progress; encouraging stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and operators, to work together to address the challenges facing the industry, in order to drive economic growth, and fulfill its potential as a critical sector in Nigeria’s economy.

 


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