Pro-poor Satellite Broadcasting Reality or Myth? Final Research Report

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of, and potential for, satellite broadcasting technologies - specifically Worldspace (WS) technology, to enhance the sustainable livelihoods of poor people in isolated rural communities. The research was carried out in four countries of East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. The report concludes that Worldspace satellite broadcasting technology has proven to be an effective technical solution for transmitting radio programmes and data to vast regions of the world, however remote. Unfortunately the content and presentation of the broadcasts and the lack of local facilitating resources mean that significant barriers still have to be overcome before WS can be viewed as a significant provider of information appropriate to the needs of people living in poor and remote communities