By Chris Uwaje

For example: Australia needs 8 years from: 2010: To deliver broadband at speed of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 90 percent of Australian homes, schools and businesses through fiber-optic cables connected directly to buildings. The other 10 percent of people would get a wireless upgrade.

Canada will need about 3 years (2009-2012):To extend broadband coverage to all currently unserved communities beginning in 2009–10. Finland will need 7 years (2009-2015, to provide ultrafast broadband to every household in Finland, with download speeds of at least one megabit per second by 2010, with a rampup to 100 megabits by 2016, including households in rural areas. France will need 5 years from 2008-2012, To provide ultra broadband networks and 4 million households through FTTH access by 2012.

Moreover, 400 cyber bases will be created in schools over the next five years and schools which already have access will be modernized. Provision of universal access to broadband Internet at affordable prices is to be made available throughout France before the end of 2010. Germany will need 10 years from, 2009-2018. The second phase is to bring broadband access at 50 Mbps or above to 75% of the households by 2014.

The first phase of the strategy is for all homes in Germany to have broadband access at 1 Mbps by the end of 2010 With Global Cloud Computing Technology (GCCT), Nigeria can become a Continental Hub, by developing a Satellite-enabled knowledge-based socio-economic-environmental simulation system and a climate simulation system in parallel fashion, both of which are to be interconnected on a global scale.

Each GCCT represents a linking project involving various countries, which will maintain the sub-models of their countries autonomously – along with construction and maintenance of its databases, modification of their sub-models, and supply of game players in cooperation with their overseas counterparts through the global Internet.

The dynamic simulation tool would support comprehensive, integrated long-term national development planning with comparative analysis of different policy options, and help users to identify the set of micro policies that tend to lead towards a desired goal.

This insight into how different indicators of development interact with one another to produce an effective outcome expected to deepen users understanding of critical development challenges. The simulation model is built on the philosophy that national planning is an integrated process with consideration of knowledge, technology, economic, social and environmental variables for sustainable development.

The simulation approach is an especially useful tool for conducting critical “Needs and Impact” analysis for technology empowerment and preparing Poverty Reduction Strategies that emphasize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and for monitoring progress towards the MDGs or other national goals.

In conclusion: Many nations have mastered the satellite technology and earned immense benefits and strategic empowerment that has contributed positively to their GDP. What are other nations doing in the Satellite space? It is instructive to note that there is huge revenue involved in the global satellite industry and related businesses.

According to the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) in their 2009 global report, the overall worldwide industry revenue growth was 19% from 2007 to 2008, compared with a 15% increase from 2006 to 2007. Satellite Services increased by more than 16% from 2007 to 2008, largely due to growth in satellite television revenues while Satellite Manufacturing revenues declined slightly, reflecting fewer satellites launched.

Launch Industry revenues grew by 20% from 2007 to 2008, fueled by a general increase in launch prices, despite fewer launches, while ground equipment revenues grew by 34% in 2008, a significant increase over the 19% growth in 2007. Many nations have therefore strengthened their satellite development and services framework to further maximize their benefits.

A good example is India. The India Anthrix Corporation is the commercial outfit for all the products derived from ISRO. INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology and search-and-rescue needs of India.

Commissioned in 1983, INSAT is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific Region. The overall coordination and management of INSAT system rests with the Secretary-level INSAT Coordination Committee. Telesat Canada is a Canadian satellite communications company. The company is now the fourth-largest fixed satellite services provider in the world.

It owns a fleet of 13 satellites, has one other satellite under construction, and operates 13 additional satellites for other entities. These satellites are of the Anik, Nimiq, and Telstar series. Satellite Communication remains a strategic option to be considered when the focus in on e-Government, e-Education, productivity, transparency and accountability for nation building and creation of wealth. CONCLUDED.

Chris Uwaje is CEO of Connect Technologies and President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON).