The pan African communication satellite system known, as RASCOM-QAF1, was recently successful launched by Arianespace.

Rascom, is an intergovernmental, commercial satellite organisation and an expression of the strong willingness of African governments and telecommunications operators to pool their efforts with a view to providing the African continent with telecommunications infrastructure.

Rascom has, as of now; a membership made up of 45 African countries and one non-signatory shareholder. It expected those African nations which are not already members are expected to join soon.

According to a press release The Gambia currently has an investment in shares worth US $1,113,594 and owns 2% of Rascom. Meanwhile, it continues, the works on the two network operating centres for the newly launched satellite will commence this year and The Gambia and Cameroon will host the centres. The pan African satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space under a tumkey contract from Rascom-QAF.

The Rascom-QAF1 satellite has a design life of 15 years and will provide telecommunications services especially in rural areas of Africa as well as inter-urban and international phone links, direct TV broadcast and Internet services. It will also provide band lease services.

The Director General of Ariane Space expressed delight after the successful launch of the satellite.

Dr. Jones A. Killimbe, Director General CEO of Rascom said, “this is an African dream come true which has been made possible by being able to believe in ourselves that together we can always make it”.