By Andrew Aroh

During disaster recovery operations, an affected region is mostly likely to become critically dependent on satellite communications, products and services.

Infact, depending on the extend of damage, the entire country or region may become critically dependent on satellite communications and broadcasting because satellites provide a quick-solution and seamless service to a region or country seriously damaged communications networks

The reliance particularly will bring opportunities from the following

• The broadcasting sector
• Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs)
• Satellite-based broadband access and services
• In particular the immediate beneficiaries will be
• Public administration
• Security
• Rural Communications
• Healthcare Sector
• Education
• Finance & Banking Sectors
• Oil & Gas to revive the economy
• The above sectors stand to gain the most benefit from space-based technology in the after region during recovery efforts.
• Most likely, reconstruction of fixed line telephone will remain low on the priority list, leaving major possibilities for satellite in provision of broadband and innovative services such as wireless local loop and Wi-fi applications
• Top on the list of opportunities commercial satellite companies can assist with includes:
• Repairing power, water and sewage systems
• Upgrading critical infrastructure at the Sea ports and international and civil businesses
• Restoring the country’s telephone infrastructure
• Areas where satellite technology becomes a perfect fit for assisting in reconstruction efforts:
• Getting air Traffic Control (ATC) System backup and running:

in this case, the international Air Transport Association (IATA) will turn to the commercial satellite industry for a network management solution to supply air traffic control for the affected airspace.

• Multipoint Voice Connectivity:

In most cases, the ministry of communications will grant permission for mobile satellite phones to offer communications services to those in need of connectivity while the ground infrastructure is being restored.

• The sale of commercial mobile satellite communications service, subscriber terminals and related equipment needed for connectivity are made available to those in the region affected.
• In a region where the terrestrial communications infrastructure has been severely damaged by disaster or crisis, mobile satellite communications, data usage, and short-burst data capabilities could be welcomed by international people operating there and this connectivity in most cases ends up being only option.
• As contractors continue to pour into the affected area, satellite communications will only grow in demand.
• As foreman, workers and supervisors will need to keep in contact with their headquarters in their home countries, satellite will most surely be the tool that keeps them connected.
• For the Agency or military procurement officers seeking such solutions, many commercial satellite service providers have equipment suitable to meet these needs.
• Although a large sum of money will be needed in the communications and information technology sector to establish a new infrastructure with adequate networks for the affected region, perhaps when completed it will be more advanced with substantial satellite-enabled enhancements.
• Today, we already have a strong case model for post-crisis-rebuild policies and procedures.
• As a benchmark, satellite services and the assistance they provide, may ultimately be cemented in the future reconstruction protocol.
• Whatever the case, one thing remains certain; satellite connectivity and the technology’s inherent mobile nature will always leave its mark in such scenarios.

Without satellite, none of the reconstruction progress in a large scale disaster recovery would be possible.

Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria