By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Nearly 4,000 students in
Ramiros, Luanda, have gained access to broadband internet through the Conecta
Angola TVWS project, an initiative aimed at expanding digital connectivity in
communities with limited access to online services.
A total of 3,972 students from
O Pensador School No. 1024 and Liceu No. 1025 are benefiting from the project,
which is being implemented by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information
Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTICS) through the National Space
Program Management Office (GGPEN) and its partners.
The initiative combines the
capabilities of Angola’s ANGOSAT-2 satellite with TV White Space (TVWS)
technology to deliver broadband connectivity to underserved areas.
The TVWS solution uses
unused portions of the television spectrum to provide reliable internet access,
with a coverage range of up to 10 kilometres. The technology is expected to
support wider digital inclusion by enabling access to educational platforms,
digital learning materials and other online services.
The project was officially
launched at a ceremony held at O Pensador School, chaired by Minister of
Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication Mário
Oliveira.
The event was attended by a
GGPEN delegation led by Director-General Zolana João, alongside representatives
from telecommunications companies, technology partners and beneficiary
institutions.
GGPEN said the integration
of ANGOSAT-2 with TVWS technology represents an innovative approach to
expanding digital coverage by leveraging national space infrastructure to
overcome connectivity challenges.
