Reaching out to remote and rural areas: Mobile satellite services and the role of Inmarsat

This paper analyses the problems faced by developing countries in extending telecommunications to remote and rural areas. It identifies some possible technical solutions using mobile satellite services, especially in specialized niche markets, but also ways in which telecommunications can be made more widely available to populations in rural and remote areas. Although means must be found to finance such development, the paper highlights the necessity of implementing policy and regulatory frameworks conducive to the availability of mobile satellite services.