SES Delivers Innovative Connectivity to Improve and Save Lives

Written on 20 Dec 2016

The global digital divide is a reality. Billions of people in the developing world do not have access to broadband Internet, excluding them from the economic and social advantages of the connected world.

Internet access has the power to rapidly transform quality of life. In an emergency, connectivity can make the difference between life and death. Connecting a hospital gives it the power to call on the wealth of the world’s medical knowledge. Connecting schools brings quality learning material to children regardless of where they live. Connecting key events like elections enhances citizen participation in public life. And connectivity for the agriculture and financial services sectors puts the tools of opportunity in the hands of those that need it most.

Broadband Internet can have dramatic positive effects, but access is the key to releasing its potential. As Internet access and speed accelerates in some regions of the world, the digital divide gets larger, making the gap even more important to bridge. Satellites are the answer. High above the earth, satellites can provide connectivity anywhere and respond swiftly to evolving situations. SES has built on the strength of satellites to provide borderless connectivity and created a completely global network that reaches 99% of the world’s population. A space network is not enough though, which is why SES has deployed a wide range of platforms and applications on the ground that give the power of connectivity to those who need it most.

The first project was emergency.lu, a revolutionary service to rapidly put connectivity in the hands of first responders, wherever they may be. SATMED quickly followed, providing long-term medical support in remote regions. Both of these are well-established projects that SES is using to widen its scope. Today, SES is innovating in the field of e-learning, e-elections, e-agriculture, and e-microfinance. These latest e-inclusion applications demonstrate the potential that connectivity has to change lives, and offer a window into the future.

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Written on 20 Dec 2016

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• Government