The opportunities for satellite communications in Africa has never been greater. We saw a glimpse of this in June this year during the World Cup finals held in South Africa. The successful holding of the World Cup in South Africa demonstrated to the world that Africa is coming of age in the world’s stage.
Growth in the African communications sector has been exponential, but market penetration for telecommunications still stands at around 40%; only ¾ of households own a TV set; and over a ¼ of households have access to a computer at home.
More than anything else this shows the large potential for growth in the African market. The potential of the African market for telecommunications services has not been lost with satellite operators and service providers who have been establishing a foothold in this market. Major satellite operators have expanded their fleet to cover Africa and even regional operators from Asia such as Measat and Asia Broadcast Satellite have joined in the fray. SatCom Africa, now going on its 14th year, is the forum for operators, developers and users of satellite technology to come together to find solutions to the problems, do business and form strategic alliances.
SatCom Africa is the largest satellite communications conference and exhibition focusing specifically on the needs of the African continent. It brings together end-users and suppliers of satellite technology to find cost effective and reliable communications solutions.Satcom Africa will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from May 30-June 2, 2011.
Africa’s largest gathering of key players in the communications sector saw top names and key players converged yet again for an unbelievable business-networking event. 2010 hosted a greater show of international and local solution providers; African broadcasters; ISP’s and telcos. All-round, 2010 was a successful show where delegates learned new strategies and forged new relationships while sponsors and exhibitors met senior buyers face-to-face and acquired new leads. Satcom Africa is Africa’s definitive satellite communications event with a core mission: To promote development and improvement of connectivity across Africa by providing a platform where ideas can be shared and sound business can be done.
SatCom Africa will focus on:
· Remote and rural access
· Backhaul
· Network integration
· Accessing new markets
· Regulation
· Broadcasting
· Internet usage and uptake
For more information on Satcom Africa contact Tatum Willis at phone +27 11 516 40 or e-mail at tatum.willis@terrapinn.co.za More information on the event can be obtained at their website at: www.terrapinn.com/2011/satcomza/
