WATRA develops framework to regulate W’African satellite services

In response to the growing challenges posed by the introduction of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO) services across West Africa, the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has developed a comprehensive framework to regulate these advanced satellite systems.

During the 21st yearly general meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, WATRA resolved to establish an Ad hoc Technical Working Group tasked with developing 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 unauthorised 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 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 the investments of our member states, ensure national security, and maintain a fair and competitive market.”

One of the core elements of the framework is the development of a clear licensing regime for NGSO services. The Ad hoc Working Group recommended 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 encouraged 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.   “Our framework not only protects national borders but also supports innovation and technological progress, ensuring that all Member States can benefit from these advancements,” he added.

As part of its security recommendations, the working group advises member states to establish local Earth Stations for lawful interception and monitoring purposes. NGSO operators may be required to collaborate with national authorities on creating monitoring platforms for subscription management, ensuring that services are used in compliance with local regulations. The framework also calls for NGSO operators to deactivate services activated in unauthorized jurisdictions, further protecting the economic and security interests of member states.

The framework also tackled the economic challenges posed by unlicensed NGSO operations.

Unauthorised services can disrupt local telecommunications markets, reducing revenue for licensed operators and putting jobs at risk. To address this, the Ad hoc Working Group recommends that licensing fees for NGSO services be aligned with business models that encourage market entry while preserving fair competition with terrestrial operators. The framework also proposes geographical coverage restrictions to prevent market distortion and protect investments in national telecommunications infrastructure.

Recognising the global nature of satellite services, the working group has called for international cooperation to harmonize spectrum allocations and regulatory policies. By aligning with international standards set by organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Member States can ensure that their regulations are both comprehensive and adaptable to the rapid pace of technological change in the satellite industry.