Future sat 2017 review
- 1. Knowledge Partner FutureSat Africa 2017 took place on the 11th-12th July 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving connectivity agenda in Africa and on the verge of major evolutions in the global satellite sector. Whilst the FutureSat Summit clearly has a strong satellite flavour and provides a valuable oportunity for key decision makers from across Africa to meet with leaders from the global satellite sector, we focussed the agenda on the need for integration and collaboration between satellite and terrestrial technologies and the purpose of connectivity, rather than just revieiwng the technologies in isolation. As we know, Telecoms and ICT are enablers and are not an end goal. It is vital when planning networks that they are designed to address objectives and they are designed with a forward focus on the future needs of business, government and other end users. We started this year’s summit with the satellite industry’s leading body and our knowledge partner, the GVF (Global VSAT Forum), presenting a revealing insight into NewSpace Constellations: Expanding the Satellite Ecosystem. This was followed by a scene setting insight on new opportunities created by the development of High Throughput Satellites over Africa, creating Fast, Affordable and Available Broadband over Satellite. Following these crucial insights into how the satllite sector is evolving to support Africa’s connectivity agenda, we broke into a lively panel discussion which combined the perspectives of one of Africa’s leading satellite connectivity providers Yahsat, with a fibre focused Nigerian ISP - BCN, VSAT connectivity provider – Hughes and Rural Connectivity service provider – NuRAN to get a balanced view on how a country can enjoy the benefits of multiple technologies in order to achieve robust connectivity and how service providers must be open to exploring all options when it comes to developing their networks. Sector case studies provided differing perspectives on the connectivity requirements of emergency responders, NGOs, education institutions and large enterprise. These insights illustrated the need for network diversity, effective planning and collaborative thinking when it comes to aligning network developments with end user requirements. GVF launched their SatAfrica working group with a parallel session for policy makers and regulators, setting up the opportunity for engagement, collaboration and open dialogue between the satellite industry, policy makers and regulators in Africa to ensure further alignment. Insights raised in the session were later shared in a panel session during the main programme agenda. Day 2 opened with a reflection on the need to ensure Security and Network Reliability when considering networks developments. In depth insights laid out the financial consequences of poor planning and management whilst effective use of the right technologies and good old fashioned common sense, can go a long way to mitigating risk and optimising opportunity. The remainder of the day was spent looking forward towards M2M, IoT, Smart City and 5G connectivity and the summit wrapped up with a revealing GVF presentation from recently released data on the International Market followed by a panel which debunked myths and revealed further insights into the satellite industry and it’s future plans.
- 2. Knowledge Partner FutureSat Africa 2017 (in numbers) 150+ attendees • 16 Countries (10 African) • 40+ Speakers • 20+ Sessions • 2 Workshops • 1 Working Group Board Level 3% C' Level 21% Operational Level 18% Senior Management 58% FUTURESAT ATTENDANCE BY TITLE Major End User Policy Maker Regulator Service Provider Solution Provider FUTURESAT AFRICA ATTENDANCE BY SECTOR
- 3. Knowledge Partner FutureSat Africa 2017 Testimonials It was an interesting learning experience- Director, Liberty TV An enlightening experience with fantastic opportunities to network and explore possibilities for value-addition to my corporate productivity- Deputy Director Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria It was a very good experience- Senior Officer, NCC The chance to explore and discuss our growth plans with key companies was very useful to us and a huge success- CEO, Certis Nigeria Ltd Networking connectivity was great! CTO, Centri-Net Technology All presentations attended were very good Director of ICT, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Kaduna It was very interesting, informative and hospitable- GM, Broadcasting Corporation of Niger State The Summit was a wonderful experience! It opened my eyes on new ideas on how to use different solutions to solve transmission challenges- Head Satellite Communication, Channels TV Exciting and memorable- Head of ICT, Lagos State Radio Service Great Conversations and Meetings- CCO, Coolink It has been enlightening on the revolution of the satellite/telecoms market, meeting key players and collaborating- CTO, Cezart Technologies Limited Easy going ambience, all contacts made were high calibre- International Account Manager, WTL It was an impactful and enlightening programme that provided information on the latest trends in the industry- Senior Manager Satellite Control and Operations, Nigcomsat Useful, potential to be a key event across the continent- Systems Engineer, iDirect Pleasing and good networking- Global marketing and experience project manager, Isocel It was very informative and inspiring. It gave me so many cases for further research- Senior Planning Officer, National Centre for Technology Management It was awesome as it presented rare opportunities to highlight the advantages of satellite communications and Vsat technology- Regional Head, Access Bank Plc The Summit was exciting, enlightening aswell as opening the greatest of opportunities in satellite development- MD, Broadcasting Radio Commission Bauchi Delightful and very insightful- Head if IT infrastructure, Access Bank The Summit has allowed me to update my knowledge concerning the satellite broadband and ICT solutions available across Africa- CTO, Jeny SAS