Space age technology can enhance rural people’s lives

SPACE AGE technology can help bring about major changes in the lives of people living in areas away from the main centres of population, a European expert has told an international conference, in Killarney.

Claudio Mastracci, of the European Space Agency (ESA), said space was helping bridge the digital divide, the disadvantage in modern communications between urban and rural areas.

“Satellites can offer cost-effective and efficient solutions, as you have already experienced in rural areas of Ireland, thanks to the interesting work done jointly with the ESA,” he said.

Mr Mastracci was speaking at a conference organised by the South West Regional Authority and the EU Committee of the Regions, on how high-speed net services can be used to benefit peripheral areas.

The authority is pioneering such services in 14 centres throughout Cork and Kerry.

Mr Mastracci said satellite could response to needs in areas with obsolete, or no communications ground infrastructure. “The space infrastructure is a very promising solution, particularly for the new Eastern European countries joining the EU,” he said.

Cllr Annette McNamara, president of the Commission for Culture and Education of the Committee of the Regions, said improved broadband led to an active participation of otherwise geographically isolated people.

“It improves living standards by bridging distance, facilitating healthcare, education and access to public services,” she told 300 delegates from several EU countries.

But, she pointed out, recent growth in broadband was taking place mainly in urban areas. Some top EU policymakers looked closely at the use of satellite to provide broadband, at low cost, in peninsular areas of Kerry, such as Caherciveen and Dingle.

Keith Browne, of the Committee of the Regions, said broadband could be a powerful tool in helping people who were currently excluded to gain access to important social and economic rights.

Microsoft e-learning executive director Paul Le Frere said equal access to broadband would result in easier trading, more opportunities for promoting tourism, a chance to learn new skills and to meet new people.