Uganda Trade Expo Archives - PRIDA - Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa

Event Category: Uganda Trade Expo

Coordination meeting on NTFA development for Arabic-speaking North African countries (Egypt, 27-31 August 2023)

In an age where seamless communication is the backbone of progress, the importance of proper frequency allocation cannot be overstated. This is especially true for the Arabophones of North Africa – Sudan, Mauritania, Somalia, and Libya. These nations are set to embark on a unique journey towards ensuring effective National Tables of Frequency Allocation (NFTA). The coordination meeting, held from August 27th to August 31st, 2023, in Cairo, Egypt, marked a significant step in this direction.

The coordination meeting had a clear objective: to prepare and harmonize the development of the National Table of Frequency Allocation across the participating Arab North African countries. This essential document lays out the frequencies designated for various communication services such as broadcasting, telecommunications, and more. By ensuring each country has its frequencies optimized, the coordination helps prevent interference, optimize spectrum use, and ultimately foster better communication networks. However, these nations face unique challenges, primarily stemming from their security situations. The delicate socio-political and security environments in Sudan, Mauritania, Somalia, and Libya necessitate special logistical and operational arrangements. The successful implementation of the NFTA becomes not only a technical challenge but also a diplomatic and strategic one. The Cairo meeting aimed to tackle these challenges head-on.

Coordinating frequency allocation in any region is a complex task, requiring the alignment of various stakeholders and interests. In the case of these Arab North African countries, the complexity is compounded by the security concerns. The participating nations demonstrated that they understand the role connectivity plays in driving economic growth, social development, and political stability. In an era where global progress hinges on communication and connectivity, the efforts of Sudan, Mauritania, Somalia, and Libya to create harmonized frequency allocation are commendable.

Coordination meeting on NTFA development for Arabic-speaking North African countries (Egypt, 27-31 August 2023)

The coordination meeting had a clear objective: to prepare and harmonize the development of the National Table of Frequency Allocation across the participating Arab North African countries. This essential document lays out the frequencies designated for various communication services such as broadcasting, telecommunications, and more. By ensuring each country has its frequencies optimized, the coordination helps prevent interference, optimize spectrum use, and ultimately foster better communication networks. However, these nations face unique challenges, primarily stemming from their security situations. The delicate socio-political and security environments in Sudan, Mauritania, Somalia, and Libya necessitate special logistical and operational arrangements. The successful implementation of the NFTA becomes not only a technical challenge but also a strategic one. The Cairo meeting aimed to tackle these challenges head-on.

Training on Business Plan for Broadband Network in Gambia (11-13 October 2023)

The course on “Business Plan for Broadband Network” is designed to provide participants with both theoretical principles and practical guidelines for developing comprehensive business plans for broadband network projects. The training will take place from 11-13 October 2023 in Banjul, Gambia.

In our increasingly digital society, access to high-speed and reliable broadband Internet is crucial for the provision of services, applications, and content. Extending broadband access to unserved and underserved populations is a fundamental aspect of telecommunication and ICT public policy, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the primary challenges to broadband expansion is the lack of network infrastructure, which includes transport and access networks, terminal devices, and affordability issues. This often results in limited providers willing to offer services in such areas. Regulatory arrangements and connectivity measures are essential to encourage infrastructure deployment, particularly in rural and remote regions, ensuring universal access to online technologies and services.

Regulators and policymakers have employed various strategies, such as public funds, universal service funds, and public-private partnerships, to expand broadband networks. These strategies aim to incentivize investments in economically less attractive areas where market forces alone might not suffice.

The course provides participants with theoretical insights and practical guidelines for estimating the net present value of a broadband project. It covers aspects like demand assessment, operating costs, revenue projection, required investments, and capital costs identification. The economic and accounting concepts used in the methodology are well-established and documented. The training focuses on developing a strategy to build broadband infrastructure and evaluating business plans for potential operators. Participants will learn how to assess variables like demand, investments, operational costs, and how to estimate the cost of capital for different project elements. The course aims to facilitate the creation of credible and coherent business plans adaptable to various broadband infrastructure projects. It guides participants in assessing economic viability and making informed decisions regarding broadband infrastructure installation and deployment plans.

Agenda

Day 1: Building the Foundation (October 11th)

Explore the world of broadband, from DSL to satellite, and understand their roles in connectivity.

Dive into the vast sea marine cable and satellite infrastructure, vital for global broadband.

Uncover the potential of satellite connectivity for rural areas and learn about the associated costs.

Discover worldwide broadband initiatives, including the ITU Broadband Commission’s agenda for sustainable development.

Day 2: Unleashing the Impact (October 12th)

Delve into the economic impact of broadband and how it can transform communities.

Explore the role of broadband in achieving universal access, powering smart cities, and connecting rural areas.

Learn how broadband drives e-government, healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital commerce.

Understand the societal effects of broadband, from job creation to its resilience during global challenges.

Discuss digital transformation and its contribution to GDP targets for SDGs.

Day 3: Investment and Business Models (October 13th)

Explore licensing and royalties in government regulations.

Delve into investment initiatives aimed at reducing license costs and boosting broadband investment.

Discover public policy recommendations and the importance of a robust regulatory framework.

Analyze business cases for rural broadband connectivity through real-world examples.

Internet of Things (IoT) : Training on Spectrum Aspects in Vertical Industries in Sao Tome e Principe

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, transforming our everyday lives and reshaping industries worldwide. As this ecosystem continues to expand, it is essential to address the challenges related to spectrum management for IoT devices. Its main objective is to overcome the challenges that IoT faces in the region, particularly regarding spectrum management. In an effort to foster innovation and collaboration, the PRIDA Project Training on Spectrum Aspects of IoT in Vertical Industries will be held in the city of Sao Tome (Sao Tome e Principe) from October 16 to 20, 2023.

Spectrum, the range of radio frequencies used for wireless communication, is a finite and valuable resource. In the context of IoT, where billions of interconnected devices communicate wirelessly, the efficient use of spectrum becomes critical. Proper spectrum management ensures that IoT devices can coexist without causing interference and enables the seamless functioning of various applications in vertical industries such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, smart cities, and more.

By equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and tools, the event aims to accelerate the growth of IoT across diverse verticals, fostering innovation and creating a more connected future for Africa and the world.

Agenda

Day 1: Monday 16th October
09:00 – 09:15	Introduction and Welcoming Speech by the ITU Regional Director for Africa.
09:15 – 09:30	Welcoming Speech by the PRIDA ITU Project Manager.
09:30 – 10:15	IoT Market Trends	Attlee GAMUNDANI
09:30 – 10:15	IoT Application Domains	Attlee GAMUNDANI
10:15 – 10:30	Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:15	Connectivity	Sahar CHEAYTO
11:15 – 12:00	IoT Standardization	Sahar CHEAYTO
12:00 -14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00	Activity: Country IoT Presentations	Attlee GAMUNDANI
15:00 – 15:15	Coffee Break
15:15 – 16:00	Activity: Country IoT Presentations	Sahar CHEAYTO

Day 2: Tuesday 17th October
09:00 – 09:45	IoT regulations – Privacy and Security	Attlee GAMUNDANI
09:45 – 10:30	Security standards and guidelines	Attlee GAMUNDANI
10:30 – 10:45	Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:30	Licensing and Spectrum	Sahar CHEAYTO
11:30 – 12:00	Identification and Roaming	Sahar CHEAYTO
12:00 -14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00	Practical Activity: Analysing Current IoT market Trends	Attlee GAMUNDANI
15:00 – 15:15	Coffee Break
15:15 – 16:00	Group Activity: Designing a secure IoT device using standards and guidelines	Sahar CHEAYTO

Day 3: Wednesday 18th October
09:00 – 09:45	IoT Spectrum – Short-range spectrum and technologies	Sahar CHEAYTO
09:45 – 10:30	Mobile Spectrum and Satellite technologies	Sahar CHEAYTO
10:30 – 10:45	Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:00	Network layer protocols and Application layer protocols	Attlee GAMUNDANI
12:00 -14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00	Hands-on Activity: Exploring Privacy Concerns in IoT Devices	Attlee GAMUNDANI
15:00 – 15:15	Coffee Break
15:15 – 16:00	Practical Activity: Plan the Design of a custom IoT solution using different spectrum technologies	Sahar CHEAYTO

Day 4: Thursday 19th October
09:00 – 09:45	Digital Services and IoT Applications – E-Health and healthcare	Sahar CHEAYTO
09:45 – 10:30	Transport and urban mobility	Sahar CHEAYTO
10:30 – 10:45	Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:00	Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0	Attlee GAMUNDANI
12:00 -14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00	Group Project: Developing an IoT-based solution for healthcare and transport	Sahar CHEAYTO
15:00 – 15:15	Coffee Break
15:15 – 16:00	Group Project: Proposing IoT-based solutions for agriculture, energy, and manufacturing	Attlee GAMUNDANI

Day 5: Friday 20th October
09:00 – 09:45	Digital Services and IoT Applications – Connected Cars	Sahar CHEAYTO
09:45 – 10:00	Coffee Break
10:00 – 11:45	Smart Cities	Attlee GAMUNDANI
11:45 – 12:00	Conclusion and Closing Remarks
12:00 -14:00	Lunch Break

Presentations

Presentation -Day 1 – Part 1

Presentation -Day 1 – Part 2

Presentation -Day 2 – Part 1

Presentation -Day 2 – Part 2

Presentation -Day 3 – Part 1

Presentation -Day 3 – Part 2

Presentation -Day 4 – Part 1

Presentation -Day 4 – Part 2

Presentation -Day 5 – Country

Presentation -Day 5 – IoT pour la Santé / Heath

Presentation -Day 5 – SmartPark

Presentation -Day 5 – Personalized Health Assistant

Presentation -Day 5 – Health Kiosk

Training on Aeronautical and Maritime communication services for English-speaking countries in Tanzania

Maritime communication networks play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods traded worldwide, with ship stations, coast stations, and various maritime distress and identification systems making much of the world’s commerce possible. ITU is responsible for safeguarding the frequency bands used by vessels to navigate safely and maintain reliable communication, with recommendations, regulations, and databases that support seafarers in their duties.

The training on Aeronautical and Maritime communication services is designed to equip the telecommunication authority in Africa with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and regulate the communication services in these critical sectors.

The training covers various aspects of Aeronautical and Maritime communication services, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), List of Ship Stations and Maritime Mobile Service Identity Assignments (List V), and Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS). The course also covers the role of ITU in promoting the use of technology to enhance safety and security at sea, protecting radio frequency spectrum, and establishing global standards for maritime radio systems.

The workshop covers topics related to spectrum monitoring, spectrum management, maritime communication, and aeronautical communication.

Day 1 will focus on Spectrum Monitoring and Management. This will include an introduction to ITU BR monitoring programs and ITU-R studies on spectrum monitoring. We will be discussing the various definitions of spectrum monitoring, tasks, types of monitoring stations, antennas, measurements, and the use of drones for monitoring. We will also cover the integration and automation of monitoring into the spectrum management system, remote monitoring, harmful interference, and practical exercises using a mobile monitoring station.

Moving on to Day 2, the focus will be on Maritime Communication. This will include an overview of ITU Maritime Publications and MARS (Maritime mobile Access and Retrieval System), notifications of ship and coast stations, and an overview of the SOLAS Convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea). We will be discussing international obligations for countries to implement search and rescue services, training and certification of seafarers and coast station personnel, designation of SAR regions, and coordination with neighboring countries. We will also cover the development of a SAR National Plan, international SAR (synthetic aperture radars) cooperation, national coordination, and resources contributing to SAR missions. The day will wrap up with a practical simulation of the design of a national GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) coast station network and SAR system, followed by a visit to a Coast Station.

Day 3, will cover Aeronautical Communication. This will include an overview of aeronautical frequency bands, ITU-R recommendations and reports, and coordination of aeronautical frequencies. We will be discussing future aeronautical communication and navigation technologies, measures to prevent interference to radio altimeters from IMT/5G, handling interference to aircraft GNSS (global navigation satellite system) receivers, compatibility between FM broadcasting and aeronautical radio-navigation systems in VHF band, and usage of FSS VSAT for the safe operation of aircraft and distribution of meteorological information in Africa. We will also discuss interference from Non-Aeronautical Sources (e.g. from LED systems, from IMT (international mobile technology) to MSS (mobile satellite service) aircraft receivers in L-band), current and future airport communication systems, and visit aeronautical installations.

You can now download the 16 presentations from the workshop

1 – Overview of aeronautical spectrum usage

2 – Coordination of aeronautical frequencies

3 – Future Aeronautical communication and navigation technologies

4 – Usage of FSS VSAT for safe operation of aircraft and distribution of meteorological information

5 – Interference from Non Aerounautical sources

6 – Current and future airport communication systems

7 – International Obligations for countries

8 – Aeronautical frequency bands

9 – Aeronautical Recommendations & Reports

10 – BR Monitoring programs

11 – ITU-R studies on spectrum monitoring