Sudan’s telecoms regulator, the National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC), has partnered with mobile network operator Sudatel and NGOs to connect relief workers in the conflict-ridden country.
The two entities are collaborating with partners such as the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to restore telecoms infrastructure destroyed by the ongoing war, which began in early 2023.
The ETC is on the ground in Sudan, working to ensure aid workers are better connected to operate efficiently in assisting those displaced by the conflict and afflicted by disease and famine.
In its latest report, published on 5 December, the ETC stated that it is facing significant delays when importing telecoms equipment, “either due to a lack of import authorisation or equipment being held in customs for long periods.”
It noted that Points of Presence (PoP) and Starlink equipment are most affected by importation and clearance delays.
The importation of Starlink equipment is prohibited by authorities and requires specific permission. The ETC said it is “exploring opportunities to better leverage public-private partnerships to help deliver services and shorten lead times.”