Connectivity for the humanitarian sector – a human right
Living in an information society where we're always online, we sometimes forget that there are still places on earth where you don’t have any connectivity at all. And we are not just talking about deserts and oceans: The International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Facts & Figures 2022 report shows that there are still 2.7 billion people offline while access to the internet is increasingly seen as a basic human right rather than a privilege. Already in 2010, a BBC World Service survey found that almost four out of five internet users and non-internet users around the world believe that access to the internet is a fundamental right. In March 2023, the Human Rights Council on the Rights of the Child discussed children's rights and the digital environment. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said during that annual meeting that the digital divide means that a staggering 2.2 billion children and young people under the age of 25 around the world still do not have access to the internet at home, and that this is driving inequality.
From our perspective, there are two layers to consider when we’re talking about connectivity in the humanitarian sector:
Communication services in crises
Connectivity means much more than access to the Internet. It also means the ability to communicate easily, which is the most effective tool in times of crisis. When every second counts, first responders can react quickly and get organised. Connectivity means better coordination of humanitarian efforts, the safety of remote workers, the security of NGO assets, and the sustainability of long-term operations. Of course, this is not only true for unconnected areas. Even in very well-connected areas, we need infrastructure to act as a backbone in the event of a disaster that disrupts normal communication channels.
Internet access for education purposes
The Internet gives us access to information, education and opportunity. It is essential for economic, social, cultural, political and civic participation in the digital age. People without access to the internet are left behind, unable to access education and training, or news and information that could help protect their health, safety and rights.
At Rivada Space Networks, we want to do our part to address this inequality and create stable communications. Our constellations will provide global connectivity services with multiple benefits:
Scalability
The ability to swiftly scale up or down depending on the needs of the humanitarian situation. Being truly global means, we can provide assistance to any disaster relief efforts that would occur at anytime, anywhere in the world.Increased connectivity
Ability to provide a significant amount of connectivity to even the most remote and underserved areas, making it easier for humanitarian organizations to communicate and organize critical relief efforts.Enhanced remote monitoring
Many benefits can be achieved such as video surveillance, remote monitoring of critical infrastructure and resources, such as water sources and food supplies. Ensuring the safety of remote workers, security of NGO assets, and enabling sustainability of long-term projects.Ability to co-ordinate all Humanitarian sites
From a central HQ site, we now have the ability to connect from one point to many. Allowing for broadcast services, training, etc. A true mesh architecture can be implemented and will be a game changer.
How RSN will support the humanitarian sector
Call on Tuesday, 13th June 2023 with ICRC, Declan Ganley and Joe Apa
Our parent company, Rivada Networks, already has a history in the humanitarian sector. In 2006, Declan Ganley was awarded with the Louisiana National Guard Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for his work during Hurricane Katrina where he successfully led the first establishment of effective emergency communications following the disaster. The immediate services minimized injury and saved the lives of civilians and servicemembers.
Rivada Space Networks aims to follow the example of its parent company. Shortly after being founded, Rivada Space Networks became part of the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to bridge the gap and foster meaningful connectivity. Last week, IEC Telecom, a leading international satcom service provider for the humanitarian sector, invited RSN to join a workshop organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva.
On Tuesday, 13th June 2023, Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks and Joe Apa, Director Business Development, had the pleasure to join this high-level industry gathering remotely. At the conference call, the RSN leadership presented our portfolio of communication services for the Humanitarian Community and outlined opportunities for future collaboration.