Digitalization in developing countries-an INTELSAT perspective

Implementation of basic telecommunication facilities in developing countries can be hampered by factors such as lack of funding, poor roads, inadequate commercial power, inhospitable terrain, the high cost of civil works and extreme climatic conditions. Fortunately, satellite communication can overcome some of these problems and has assisted many developing countries to build a reliable telecommunication infrastructure. The INTELSAT Assistance and Development Program (IADP) was created in 1978 as a means of providing technical and operational assistance to Signatories and Users in all aspects of their use of the system. Over 120 countries have benefitted from IADP assistance. The scope of the program has been expanded to include financial assistance for the procurement of digital equipment