- Daniel Nunes
- Angel Draev
- Ghazi Mabrouk
Intermediate
Event organizer(s)
Supported by
Description
This 20-hour instructor-led online course offers a comprehensive view of satellite connectivity and its strategic role in bridging the digital divide. Designed for professionals involved in digital policy, regulation, and technology adoption, the course explores the different types of satellite systems (LEO, MEO, GEO), their technical characteristics, applications, and global regulatory frameworks.
Participants will gain the foundational knowledge necessary to understand, evaluate, and analyze satellite-based connectivity solutions and how these technologies can be effectively applied to enhance digital services, especially in remote and underserved regions.
With the generous support of the Global Gateway initiative of the European Union, this course is offered for free for selected participants.
This course is open for:
- Policymakers and government officials;
- Regulators and other ICT professionals who are keen on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency and governance.
Members of the above-mentioned target population are invited to apply for the training if they meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or have a minimum of three years of experience in the field if they do not hold a university degree.
- Possess a fluent level of English.
- Complete the application questionnaire and attach an up-to-date CV, a recommendation letter from their employer, or a motivation letter.
Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Outline the fundamentals of satellite connectivity and its strategic importance;
- Distinguish between LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite systems and their applications;
- Explain key components of satellite infrastructure and current technological trends;
- Evaluate how satellite technologies can support service delivery in different sectors;
- Analyze policy and regulatory frameworks for satellite communications;
- Assess the potential of future satellite trends, including LEO mega-constellations.
As part of the course methodology, mandatory pre-reading is assigned for each topic to be completed before the course.
The course consists of five live sessions, each structured into:
- 1h45 of live interactive session led by subject-matter experts
- 15-minute asynchronous coffee break
- 1 hour of guided group discussion (in breakout rooms with moderator prompts)
Each session combines lectures, visual case studies, real-world examples, and collaborative group work to stimulate critical thinking and practical application of concepts.
The live lecture will take place as per the below schedule:
- First Live Session: June 22, 2026, 1:00 PM CEST
- Second Live Session: June 24, 2026, 1:00 PM CEST
- Third Live Session: June 26, 2026, 1:00 PM CEST
- Fourth Live Session: June 29, 2026, 1:00 PM CEST
- Fifth Live Session: July 1, 2026, 1:00 PM CEST
The assessment and grading methodology will include:
- An individual assignment submission: 40%
- A final multiple-choice quiz of 20 questions: 40%
- Active participation in the live lectures: 20%
The deadline for submitting the individual assignment and the final test is July 10, 2026, 11:59 PM CEST.
A total score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate.
Session 1: Satellite Connectivity – Foundations and Strategic Value
Key Topics:
- What is satellite connectivity and why it matters for governments
- Socioeconomic benefits and strategic use cases
- Role in national broadband plans and digital transformation agendas
Learning Outcomes:
- Outline the fundamentals of satellite connectivity
- Explain its role in enhancing public service delivery and inclusion
Session 2: Satellite Systems – Understanding LEO, MEO, and GEO
Key Topics:
- Differences between LEO, MEO, and GEO
- Advantages, limitations, and deployment costs
- Selecting the right orbit for specific country needs
Learning Outcomes:
- Distinguish between satellite types and analyze use cases
- Evaluate trade-offs between coverage, latency, and infrastructure
Session 3: Infrastructure and Applications for Public Services
Key Topics:
- Components of satellite infrastructure (ground stations, terminals, gateways)
- Use cases in health, education, disaster management, border control
- Interoperability with terrestrial and wireless networks
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain how satellite infrastructure supports service delivery
- Evaluate the feasibility of satellite-based public applications
Session 4: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Satellite Communications
Key Topics:
- ITU frameworks and international coordination
- National licensing, orbital slot allocation, spectrum sharing
- Policy options for promoting universal access with satellites
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze regulatory strategies from different countries
- Assess the impact of policy choices on satellite adoption
Session 5: Future Trends and Strategic Planning for Satellite Connectivity
Key Topics:
- LEO mega-constellations and private-sector disruption
- Satellite-5G integration and space-based IoT
- Strategic planning and public-private partnerships
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess the impact of future satellite trends
- Evaluate how emerging technologies align with governance goals
Tutors
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
