A comprehensive framework to regulate advanced satellite systems has been developed by the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) in response to the increasing challenges brought about by the introduction of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO) services throughout West Africa.
At its 21st Annual General Meeting, which took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, recently, WATRA decided to form an Ad hoc Technical Working Group with the responsibility of formulating suggestions to close the regulatory gaps pertaining to NGSO services.
Since NGSO satellites provide substantial improvements in connectivity and data transfer, WATRA Member States have faced both opportunities and difficulties. While some nations have been successful in licensing these services, others are dealing with unlicensed NGSO operations that endanger national investments, jeopardize security, and disrupt regional telecom markets. Acknowledging the worries, the newly formed Ad hoc Technical
Working Group has proposed a detailed framework designed to guide member states in effectively regulating NGSO services.
