The WorldSpace technology involves uses of 3 geo-stationary satellites launched over Africa, Asia and America in 1999. The satellite for Africa region is called AFRISTAR and has 3 beams. To access information special portable worldspace radio receivers are used to capture the worldspace digital signals. The radios have a special antenna that should be placed out doors where there are no obstructions like walls for a full signal and better reception.

The worldspace satellite radios (WSR) when connected to a computer help users to access web based information without having to use the usual method of accessing information from the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Access to channels providing developmental information is largely free, this may be educational, agricultural, cultural or environmental.

These are some of the uses of this radio:

   1. It has an audio Channel called the African Learning Channel (ALC) which broadcasts developmental information e.g. about women, child care, HIV/AIDS, Micro-finance, environment etc.

   2. It allows multimedia functionality tuned as Data Channels - these ones are connected to the computer via a Digital Data adapter card.

   3. It has a facility for storing programs on tape recorder while they are being broadcast.

   4. The radio is used to download information from selected websites but the user accesses this information without use of a telephone line or accessing the Internet.

   5. There is a chance for organizations involved in community development to upload information to the worldspace systems.

   6. The radio can access more than 60 channels broadcasted by international, regional and even local FM broadcasters.

   7. It also allows conferencing and live broadcasting facilities.

   8. The radio is used as a tool for distance learning for schools and colleges.

Advantages of using this technology:

   1. The radio uses dry cells, car battery, solar as well as electricity to be powered thus convenient for all people.

   2. The radio antenna withstands all adverse weather conditions rain, shine or heat.

   3. FM stations can subscribe to the World Space Corporation and they can broadcast through this technology thus reach many areas previously not reachable.

   4. If used only for downloading purposes and updating information (since this can be done only as per a certain schedule), the radio can be shared among other users. This is because development information can be useful even after a month. For example information on Micro-finance institutions, HIV/Aids, etc., is available. So while some people use it for downloading purposes, others can use it for broadcasting on a daily basis.

   5. It can be used for entertainment and news from across the globe through the audio channels. There is also a channel for downloading more news and other forms of entertainment such as sports, streaming video, daily news etc. However, access such channels is usually limited to subscribed users for a fee.

   6. The radio is relatively affordable including the adapter card and software. It is also a 1-time investment, as opposed to conventional internet connectivity, were the user is required to make monthly payments.

To be able to download web-based information one must have computer/laptop that has a CD Drive and a USB port for connecting the digital data adapter card to the radio. Connectivity is currently up to 128k download.

Benefits that NGOs can gain from using this technology:

   1. Many NGOs or local communities can buy one radio and share it. They contribute to buy one radio and use the radio to disseminate information to the rest of the community.

   2. Information can be uploaded through the WorldSpace system for free and this will make the outreach more practicable and far reaching.

   3. Distance learning programmes can be effectively used to help reduce illiteracy among communities.

   4. There is a possibility of translating already made information and disseminating it in the format possible to the targets without having to collect this data from the various sources.

In Uganda, this technology is currently being used countrywide. Organisations using the WorldSpace system to disseminate and/or receive information include the Uganda Department of Meteorology , Action Aid, World Vision and WOUGNET to mention a few.

Related Link: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) participation in RANET