FEATURE: SATELLITE NETWORKS

As next-generation satellite constellations revolutionise connectivity, even Africa’ s most remote and conflictaffected regions are gaining access to high-speed, reliable communications. Gwenael Loheac,

Partner and Chief Procurement Officer, President

Europe and West Africa, IEC Telecom Group, tells us how LEO technology is transforming humanitarian operations, bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive growth across the continent.

Next-generation satellite constellations have changed the very foundation of humanitarian communication. In areas where terrestrial networks are destroyed or non-existent, LEO satellites such as Starlink provide fibre-like performance at a fraction of traditional costs. This new layer of resilience ensures that aid convoys, mobile hospitals and co-ordination hubs can maintain real-time communication even during blackouts or natural disasters. For the first time, organisations operating in remote or conflict-affected areas can synchronise data, access cloud platforms and run digital co-ordination tools as reliably as in major cities. This shift is transforming how humanitarian operations are managed – from reactive emergency response to continuous, technology-enabled resilience.

What are the main challenges that humanitarian organisations face when trying to establish reliable communications in these areas?

In many developing regions across Africa, terrestrial communication networks remain limited, particularly outside urban centres. According to the International

Telecommunication Union( ITU), about 14 % of Africa’ s population still lacks access to any mobile broadband network, and in rural areas, around 25 % of people remain completely unconnected. Even where service exists, bandwidth is often constrained to low-speed networks, insufficient for data-intensive operations such as telemedicine, cloud-based co-ordination, or real-time video monitoring. Power instability and the absence of reliable backhaul infrastructure further compound these challenges. As a result, humanitarian organisations frequently struggle to maintain consistent communication links, which delays co-ordination, limits situational awareness, and impacts the effectiveness of life-saving missions.

How has the arrival of LEO constellations such as Starlink changed the economics and accessibility of satellite connectivity across Africa?

LEO technology has been a real game changer. Before Starlink, bandwidth was limited and priced at a premium, which meant humanitarian agencies often had to limit satcom data only to critical communications. Starlink’ s high-speed, lowlatency service now offers a scalable and affordable alternative, enabling near-instant deployment across multiple field locations. The accessibility of plugand-play terminals drastically reduces setup time and logistical overhead. Combined with flexible subscription models and shared data pools, this innovation has democratised connectivity, empowering smaller NGOs and community organisations to participate in global co-ordination systems that were once out of reach.

In what ways is IEC Telecom helping UN agencies and NGOs overcome bandwidth and cost limitations in the field?

At IEC Telecom, we offer a wide portfolio of Starlinkpowered solutions designed to overcome bandwidth

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