Communications & the

Social Responsibility

FactorIndustry verticals and broadband

access in the Caspian Region

Martin Jarrold

Chief, International

Programme Development

The main barrier to the provision of telecoms in developing regions is…………

cost.

Who will pay for it?

Will governments find sufficient funding?

Can aid agencies foot the bill?

What business will see it as a viable opportunity?

Social Responsibility & Need for Investment

Possible Solutions

Option 1: Direct aid sources - most obvious solution BUT subject to evaluation against other programmes such as those to address basic human needs, e.g. potable water, passable roads and immunisation against diseases.

Option 2: Infrastructure providers - currently being done in some circumstances (e.g. Global VSAT Forum’s provision of educational facilities). However, not commercially attractive and therefore lacks scale and longevity.

Option 3: Content providers - good potential where aligned with needs BUT care needed that opportunities are not exploited.

Option 4: Third parties - companies not directly in the supply chain for communications infrastructure; vertical market customers (e.g., oil & gas companies) of communications solution vendors (e.g., satellite network providers).

Option 4 – How Oil & Gas Companies Can Help

• Companies operating in developing countries have an important responsibility to the communities affected by their activities and to the host country in general.

• Such companies typically include community support funding in their overall investment programmes when negotiating for, and executing, their activities.

• An opportunity exists to provide these companies with a solution to their search for suitable projects.

• Model solutions could be deployed, simplifying the process for providers, funding parties, governments and communities.

How Would It Work?

Possible Delivery Solutions…

• Ring-fenced capacity on company networks in operational and/or base

areas

• Separate infrastructure in such locations to be used by communities only

(both options enjoy economies of scale due to co-incidence with own

operations)

• Separate infrastructure in other areas to be determined by central/

regional administrations, so that hydrocarbon-prone areas do not get

disproportionate attention.

Access to Range of Services

• GSM backhaul to increase coverage for cell

phones

• Extension of fibre networks to remote areas

• Internet – email, world wide web

• TV & video

• E-medicine

• E-education

• E-commerce & M-commerce

• Aim is for projects to become self-

sustaining

Story So Far

• Presentations & discussions at a number of events worldwide• New events and ongoing dialogue planned to publicise the

initiative• Support from major telecoms providers, e.g. :

• Vodacom/Gateway• Schlumberger• CapRock• Nokia Siemens Networks• EADS Astrium• SkyVision

• Oil & gas companies showing interest• NGOs seeking collaboration & involvement (e.g. USAID,

NetHope, ITU)• Government agencies supportive

Conclusion: Win, Win, Win, Win

Information and communications technology is a powerful enabler. It could benefit all stakeholders involved in the programme, including…

• Governments - achieve Millennium Development Goals, higher standards of education, health, connectivity, new jobs, increased GDP, (new taxpayers)

• Communities - access to the wider world and the opportunities therein, including education, trade, communication with relatives/ friends and entertainment

• Verticals (i.e., Oil & Gas Companies) - lower-cost, high-impact, politically-attractive CSR solution

• Infrastructure Providers - generate revenues, new business opportunities

The Global VSAT Forum:Facilitating Sustainable Connectivity

• Global non-profit association

• 230+ companies headquartered in 100+ countries

• Reaching every nation in the world

• Facilitating satellite systems/services through…

- Enabling effective regulation, spectrum management

- Providing training worldwide

- Facilitating sustainable networks in developing nations

GVF Partners

• NetHope• USAID• SatProf• CCI• CTO• ITU• WATRA• CITEL• AU• CANTO• ESA• ESMT• AERC• SSE-Thailand• And More

• All major VSAT manufacturers

• All major satellite operators

• Major VSAT network operators

• Major value-added resellers

• Legal expertise

• Leading satellite consultants

– Design

– Regulatory

– Operations

– Trends

GVF Members

Contact:

Martin Jarrold

Chief, International Programme Development

Global VSAT Forum

martin.jarrold@gvf.org

www.gvf.org

Tel: + 44 1727 884 513