WATRA to regulate satellite services in Nigeria, other W/African countries

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has developed a comprehensive framework aimed at regulating the growing challenges posed by the introduction of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO) services across West Africa

This was disclosed during the 21st Annual General Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a statement by WATRA stated yesterday.

At the meeting, WATRA resolved to establish an Ad hoc Technical Working Group tasked with developing9 recommendations to address the regulatory gaps surrounding NGSO services.

NGSO satellites, which offer significant advancements in connectivity and data transmission, have created both opportunities and challenges for WATRA member states.

While some countries have successfully licensed these services, others are dealing with unauthorized NGSO operations that pose security risks, threaten national investments, and destabilize local telecommunications markets.

Recognizing these concerns, the newly formed Ad hoc Technical Working Group has proposed a detailed framework designed to guide Member States in effectively regulating NGSO services.

The Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliyu Aboki, highlighted at the meeting the importance of these recommendations in ensuring a stable and secure telecommunications sector.

“The introduction of NGSO services has brought new technological capabilities to the region, but it has also introduced complex regulatory issues that cannot be ignored. This framework is a necessary step to protect the9 investments of our Member States, ensure national security, and maintain a fair and competitive market”, Aboki said.

One of the core elements of the framework is the development of a clear licensing regime for NGSO services, Daily Trust can report.

The Ad hoc Working Group recommends that Member States create transparent guidelines outlining the requirements, fees, and timelines for licensing satellite services.

The framework emphasizes the need for flexibility to accommodate the dynamic nature of NGSOs, while also ensuring that all stakeholders, from private operators to government entities, understand the scope of the licenses issued.

In addition to licensing guidelines, the framework addresses security concerns that arise from the transborder coverage of NGSO services.

The Ad hoc Working Group recommends that Member States incorporate cybersecurity and data protection measures into their regulatory frameworks, ensuring that NGSO operators comply with national security laws.

The working group also encourages collaboration between Member States to monitor and manage the cross-border use of NGSO services, which could otherwise infringe on territorial integrity and result in economic losses.

“NGSO services provide tremendous benefits in terms of connectivity, especially in underserved regions, but we must ensure that they are deployed responsibly,” Aboki added.