Low-Cost Satellite Internet in Remote Areas – The Borgen Project

Report on Low-Cost Satellite Internet as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Bridging the Digital Divide to Accelerate SDG Achievement

The deployment of low-cost satellite internet services in developing nations presents a significant opportunity to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities, this technology acts as a critical enabler for progress across multiple development sectors. This report examines the initiatives, benefits, and strategic partnerships driving this transformation, with a focus on their direct impact on achieving the SDGs.

Technological Innovation and Infrastructure Development (SDG 9)

New satellite internet constellations are at the forefront of building resilient and accessible digital infrastructure, a core target of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). These initiatives are designed to overcome the geographical and economic barriers that have historically limited internet access.

Key Industry Initiatives

• Starlink (SpaceX): Utilizes a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet globally. Its primary objective is to connect remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unfeasible, directly contributing to Target 9.c: “Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.”
• Amazon Project Kuiper: A forthcoming LEO satellite network aimed at providing broadband to unserved and underserved communities. By linking thousands of satellites to a global network of ground stations, the project aims to bridge the digital divide without reliance on traditional telephone lines, fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

Technological Advantages for SDG Attainment

1. Reduced Infrastructure Dependency: Satellite services eliminate the need for extensive ground-based cable networks, enabling rapid deployment in remote regions.
2. Improved Speeds and Reliability: LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth, reducing signal delay and enhancing performance, which is crucial for applications in education (SDG 4) and health care (SDG 3).

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Global Connectivity (SDG 17)

Achieving universal connectivity requires robust collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and international organizations, embodying the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Global organizations are mobilizing to create frameworks that ensure connectivity benefits all of society.

The Role of GSMA

GSMA, a global organization for the mobile ecosystem, works to unlock the full potential of connectivity for societal benefit. Its vision aligns with the SDGs by:

• Shaping mobile-related policies to foster an inclusive digital economy.
• Supporting technological innovation for network expansion.
• Convening industry leaders through events like MWC and M360 to address global challenges through collaborative action.

Addressing Inequalities and Supporting Vulnerable Populations (SDG 10 & SDG 16)

A significant focus of connectivity initiatives is on reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by targeting the most vulnerable, including forcibly displaced persons. In 2022, 36 countries with major mobile coverage gaps hosted 46% of internally displaced people and 18% of refugees.

The Connectivity for Refugees Initiative

Launched in 2023, this initiative is a prime example of a multi-stakeholder partnership (SDG 17) involving the UNHCR, ITU, GSMA, and the Government of Luxembourg. Its primary objectives are directly linked to several SDGs:

• Goal: Connect 20 million displaced people and their host communities by 2030.
• Impact on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Aims to overcome barriers such as affordability, digital literacy, and social exclusion for marginalized communities.
• Impact on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Enhances humanitarian protection by providing access to vital information and services.
• Impact on SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Opens pathways to education and livelihood opportunities, fostering self-reliance and economic inclusion.

Case Study: Connecting Rwanda for Economic Empowerment and Social Progress

Rwanda’s government-led efforts, such as the Kigali Innovation City initiative, demonstrate a strong national commitment to developing robust digital infrastructure. This strategy has created a fertile ground for partnerships that advance multiple SDGs.

Mobile Connectivity and Financial Inclusion (SDG 1 & SDG 8)

• Network Coverage: MTN Rwanda provides extensive network coverage, including in remote areas and refugee camps.
• Mobile Money Services: The widespread use of mobile money (31% of the population) through services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Tigo is a powerful tool for poverty reduction (SDG 1).
• Economic Empowerment: A partnership between MTN and KCB Bank allows users to access loans and savings products, promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and providing access to health care and educational platforms.

Targeted Support in Refugee Camps

NGOs, including the UNHCR, are implementing projects in refugee camps like Mahama and Kiziba to ensure digital access for displaced populations. These projects establish:

1. Community centers with internet access.
2. Mobile charging stations and solar power solutions.
3. Digital literacy programs, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education).

These initiatives demonstrate how targeted connectivity solutions provide a lifeline for resilience, opportunity, and the localized achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions that increased connectivity will “open pathways for greater access to… education” and highlights partnerships that provide access to “educational platforms.” This directly links the expansion of internet access to improving educational opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses how connectivity is crucial for “livelihoods.” It provides a specific example from Rwanda where mobile money services, enabled by connectivity, allow users to “access loans and savings products,” fostering economic activity and financial inclusion.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • This is a central theme of the article. The entire discussion revolves around developing new infrastructure (low-cost satellite internet from Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper) to provide internet access to “remote and underserved areas” and “hard-to-reach rural communities,” thereby developing resilient and inclusive infrastructure.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article explicitly states that projects like Amazon Project Kuiper aim to “bridge a digital divide.” It also focuses heavily on providing connectivity for vulnerable populations, such as the “46% of internally displaced people and 18% of refugees” who live in countries with large mobile coverage gaps, aiming to reduce inequalities in access to information and services.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights multiple multi-stakeholder partnerships. The “Connectivity for Refugees” initiative is a coalition of the UNHCR, ITU, GSMA, and the Government of Luxembourg. It also mentions partnerships between private companies (MTN Rwanda) and banks (KCB Bank) to deliver services, demonstrating the collaborative efforts needed to achieve these goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 9.c: “Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.”
   • The article’s main focus is on new forms of “low-cost satellite internet” from companies like Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper, which are designed to connect “remote areas” and “underserved communities” where accessibility is a barrier. This directly aligns with the goal of providing universal and affordable internet access.
2. Target 8.10: “Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all.”
   • The example of Rwanda, where “31% of the population reported to be using a mobile money account” and a partnership between MTN Mobile Money and KCB Bank allows users to “access loans and savings products,” is a clear illustration of expanding financial services to the population through mobile technology.
3. Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”
   • The “Connectivity for Refugees” initiative, which aims to connect displaced people and their host communities, directly supports the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups by providing them with access to information, education, and livelihoods.
4. Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
   • The article describes the “Connectivity for Refugees” initiative as a “coalition of organizations and governments, including the UNHCR, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), GSMA and the Government of Luxembourg.” This is a textbook example of a public-private-civil society partnership working towards a common development goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator related to SDG 9 (Target 9.c): Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network.
   • The article implies this indicator by stating that “MTN Rwanda has the widest network coverage in the country, with coverage available in remote areas and refugee camps.” Measuring the extent of this coverage is a way to track progress on internet accessibility.
2. Indicator related to SDG 8 (Target 8.10): Proportion of adults with a mobile money account.
   • The article provides a direct data point that serves as an indicator: “31% of the population [in Rwanda] reported to be using a mobile money account.” This is a quantifiable measure of financial inclusion.
3. Indicator related to SDG 10 and 17: Number of beneficiaries from specific programs.
   • The “Connectivity for Refugees” initiative provides a clear, measurable goal that can be used as an indicator: “to connect 20 million displaced people and their hosts by 2030.” Progress can be tracked by counting the number of people connected through the initiative.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: borgenproject.org