Africa to launch first telecom satellite in 2002

Africa will launch its first telecommunication satellite in year 2002, announced the director general of the regional African satellite communication organization (RASCOM).

The RASCOM director general who made the announcement at the end of the organization's 20th meeting held earlier this week in Abidjan said the satellite will enable African countries to establish direct satellite links without going through operators from other continents.

The operations currently conducted through other continents cost African countries some $ 300 million per year, the RASCOM chief said, explaining that the African satellite will reduce the telecommunication costs by at least 40%.

The African satellite, to cost $580 millions, will be launched, operated and managed by "Alcatel Space" for a 10 year period.

RASCOM currently gathers 44 African countries.