Minister Zerrouki Calls for Strategic Optimization of Alcomsat-1: Expanding Satellite Internet Access to Isolated and High-Priority Zones

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

During a field visit to the CESTS center in Bouchaoui, the Minister of Post and Telecommunications underscores the imperative of harnessing Algeria’s satellite capabilities to bridge the digital divide and foster innovation in underserved regions.

Algiers, Algeria | May 7th, 2025 — Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, conducted a high-level visit on Tuesday evening to the Telecommunications Satellite Systems Operations Center (CESTS) located in Bouchaoui, under the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL).

The visit included an in-depth presentation by technical staff detailing the center’s key missions, particularly its role in managing Alcomsat-1, Algeria’s first communications satellite. The Minister seized the occasion to advocate for the optimal and strategic exploitation of the satellite’s full potential, especially in addressing connectivity gaps across the national territory.

Alcomsat-1: A Critical Asset for National Connectivity

Emphasizing the central role of Alcomsat-1, Minister Zerrouki called for a significant expansion in the use of satellite internet services, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains impractical or economically unfeasible. These include isolated rural zones, remote mountainous or desert regions, industrial and mining areas, and economic activity zones that cannot be connected through fiber-optic networks.

“The capabilities of Alcomsat-1 must not remain underutilized,” said Zerrouki. “We must deploy its services to ensure that no Algerian citizen or economic actor is left behind in the digital transformation process.”

Encouraging Innovation and Digital Solutions via Satellite

Zerrouki also urged satellite internet service providers to intensify their efforts in developing innovative and value-added digital platforms and solutions, adapted to the specific needs of users in hard-to-reach areas. He stressed that incentive measures should be launched to facilitate wider access to satellite communication services for both professionals and the general public.

By leveraging Algeria’s space infrastructure, the Minister envisions the emergence of new digital ecosystems capable of supporting education, e-health, e-governance, remote business operations, and logistics in regions that have long been underserved.

Operational Excellence at CESTS: 24/7 Monitoring by Algerian Engineers

The visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of the CESTS operational departments, where the Minister was briefed by a team of highly qualified Algerian engineers who ensure the continuous and secure functioning of the Alcomsat-1 system around the clock, seven days a week. These professionals operate in accordance with the highest international standards, reinforcing the credibility of Algeria’s space sector.

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