The world is undergoing a profound transformation as digital technologies revolutionize societies worldwide. Nations, businesses, and communities are increasingly integrating with the digital landscape and leveraging innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, 5G, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements are redefining industries, unlocking new business opportunities, and addressing critical global challenges in healthcare access, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of this transformation is the telecommunications sector, which serves as the backbone of global communication infrastructure. The telecommunications sector plays a fundamental role in economic growth and has the potential to drive inclusive and sustainable development. By optimizing existing infrastructures, telecom companies are uniquely positioned to bridge the digital divide, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to a more equitable society.
In an era marked by rapid urbanization and digital evolution, the demand for streamlined, accessible, and efficient services is at an all-time high. Governments face significant challenges in service delivery, especially in remote or underserved regions where infrastructure is lacking. This situation presents an opportunity for governments to enhance service delivery by integrating technological advancements, ensuring seamless interaction and stronger citizen engagement.
Essential services such as energy, telecommunications, and human resources are key ingredients for societal progress. Similarly, telecommunications infrastructure is indispensable for digital services such as banking, online education, and e-commerce. However, in many regions, access to these services is severely limited by inadequate infrastructure. These shortcomings often hinder the prosperity of individuals and local businesses, impede economic progress, perpetuate inequality, and restrict economic opportunities.
At present, providing basic services in areas without reliable electricity is challenging.
In addition to this, effective service delivery is often hampered by a lack of skilled labor in rural and underdeveloped areas, making the situation even more dire. Businesses in these regions often struggle to expand due to a shortage of skilled workers, leading to increased operational costs that prevent growth and negatively impact GDP and overall economic output. By prioritizing infrastructure development, particularly in underdeveloped areas, governments can stimulate economic growth and open new opportunities for both businesses and individuals.
Digital ecosystems hold significant transformative potential. By digitising services, barriers to access can be lowered, enabling citizens to remotely access healthcare, education, and government resources. Digital ecosystems also present new opportunities for e-commerce platforms. The widespread availability of internet connectivity and digital tools enables businesses to expand their global reach, allowing local entrepreneurs to sell goods and services on international platforms. Companies can access new clients, minimize overhead costs associated with maintaining physical offices, and operate around the clock without geographical limitations.
In today's world, it is unacceptable for people to travel long distances to access essential services. Developing a comprehensive digital business ecosystem presents a more inclusive solution, allowing citizens to avoid logistical travel challenges. Concurrently, governments can broaden the reach of their services, e-commerce platforms can drive business growth, and network operators can leverage portable radio antennas to evaluate market potential before committing to large-scale infrastructure investments. Moreover, the integration of data insights within digital ecosystems allows governments to design targeted policies and optimize service delivery. This strategic use of data enhances the responsiveness and efficiency of public services, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of citizens in a dynamic digital landscape. Digital services could also help governments become more transparent, reduce corruption, and ensure that public services are accessible to everyone. By understanding the needs of the population better and using data effectively, governments can create targeted policies and improve service delivery.
Nowadays, people can attend medical appointments, participate in online classes, access government services, and conduct banking transactions from the comfort of their homes. This convenience makes life more efficient for everyone, especially in rural areas where travelling to physical service centers can be time-consuming and costly. By providing these services online, citizens can save both time and money, leading to an improved quality of life.
The shift to digital services presents governments with an opportunity to provide public services more efficiently to a wider population. This is where the concept of a “seamless government” comes into play, ensuring that governments are formally present for all citizens. In response to these needs, innovative solutions like the Seamless Service Terminal (SST) have emerged. We have rebranded the Tablet Comunitario and relaunched it under the new trademark Seamless Service Terminal (SST).
The SST, formerly known as the Tablet Comunitario, is an innovative solar-powered one-stop interactive office designed to overcome challenges related to digital and interactive integration. Established in Mozambique in 2016, its goal was to provide digital and interactive information to support social programs in rural and distant communities. To date, this program has successfully reached approximately 2 million people, delivering digital services to these rural and remote areas.
SST utilises solar energy to promote sustainability and accessibility, enabling communities to benefit from digital content despite geographical and infrastructure limitations. Its renewable energy sources can generate electricity 24/7, providing optimal power solutions. This technology not only powers portable mobile towers but also enables internet service in very remote areas through GSM and network connectivity. This initiative highlights the technology's potential to bridge the knowledge gap and promote community development in disadvantaged areas.
This solution with SST addresses complex settings and is also beneficial for urban areas in terms of decentralising services, supported by sustainable telecom infrastructure powered by renewable sources.
Complex settings often lack the necessary infrastructure, electricity, and human resources, making access to basic services more difficult and creating barriers to economic growth. Restriction of services results in reduced e-commerce opportunities and access points, significantly impacting business revenue and GDP.
When taking the opportunity to discuss social programs, we find that empowerment and accessibility initiatives in underserved communities are greatly enhanced by technology. These programs use educational content and telemedicine supported by AI to address the gap in qualified human resources.
Social programs that leverage technologylike SST provide significant empowerment and increase accessibility for marginalized communities. They help bridge educational gaps by offering essential learning opportunities, particularly in remote areas. The integration of telemedicine, backed by AI, represents a transformative approach to tackling healthcare challenges, especially in communities with limited access to qualified medical professionals. AI can aid in diagnosing conditions, offering remote consultations, and providing health advice, thus alleviating the shortage of skilled healthcare workers in rural or isolated settings. This ensures that individuals can receive timely medical support, even without physical access to healthcare facilities or specialists.
Together, these initiatives in education and telemedicine create a comprehensive support system that empowers individuals through knowledge while prioritizing their well-being. They help overcome geographical and infrastructural limitations, which are crucial for reducing shortcomings in both education and healthcare. Ultimately, these programs promote sustainability and contribute to the social and economic development of remote communities.
The transition toward more independent aid management presents both challenges and opportunities for countries to reinvent themselves and discover innovative solutions to fund their social and humanitarian programs. By leveraging the potential of delivering governmental and commercial services to a broader society, countries can increase revenue and overcome challenges to subsidize part of their social and humanitarian initiatives. It is my hope that this approach aligns with the grant cooperation model and partners.
While this strategy may not completely replace traditional aid, it can significantly enhance accessibility to services, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. Investment in essential social and humanitarian activities can be funded through revenue generated by offering premium or value-added services. This method has the potential to reduce heavy reliance on foreign aid and promote self-sufficiency while ensuring that disadvantaged areas receive critical assistance.
In this new paradigm, innovation is key. Countries could develop a more sustainable revenue stream by integrating technologies, such as self-service terminals (SST), into their national strategies. These integrating technologies could not only address current needs but also support long-term development goals, despite potential reductions in foreign aid.
Being a member of ITU T and ITU D offers considerable benefits, as well as the opportunity to publish technical papers at various conferences. Notably, contributions made within our associated study groups have led to plenary approvals, underscoring the impact of our engagement. These participations influence global telecommunications standards and development strategies, promoting collaboration among governments, industries, and stakeholders. In the study groups I am still involved with, we have made contributions that resulted in plenary approval.
Our latest contribution to the ITU requirements for accessible and transportable communication systems in rural and out-of-home situations has been officially approved in Geneva during the ITU standards and recommendations assembly plenary, thanks to the diligent efforts of Study Group 21. This report addresses complex environments and the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their access to telecommunication services is prioritized. By developing these standards, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a digital infrastructure that is inclusive and accessible for all. This initiative ensures that individuals with special needs can fully engage in the digital world, taking advantage of advancements in telecommunications, education, healthcare, and other essential services. All necessary conditions for adoption have been met, and it is now an opportune time to proceed.
In the new decentralized era, the Seamless Government (SG) concept outlines how government organizations should respond to the needs of citizens while facilitating integrated business operations and collaboration among government units. Seamless Government aims to provide high-quality, customer-focused public services in a more efficient and accessible manner. By creating a one-stop platform, it ensures that citizens and businesses can easily access services tailored to their specific needs—whether dealing with personal life events or managing business operations. This approach enhances convenience and improves government efficiency by eliminating redundant processes and maximizing the use of limited resources.
Through our work, we have introduced this concept, explored its key principles, necessary resources, and expected outcomes, all of which are integrated into our developed Seamless Service Terminal (SST). Public sector reform and e-government have interconnected demands that are essential for one another. E-government serves as a crucial facilitator for public sector reform, as organizational transformation relies heavily on information and communication technology (ICT) for all but the simplest tasks. Conversely, successful e-government implementation requires organizations to undergo structural and process changes to effectively adopt technology. Merely digitizing government information and making it available online is insufficient. While creating a simple website for a government agency that provides static information about its structure, services, and communications may not require significant changes, Seamless Government encourages collaboration as the foundation for technology-enabled improvements in government – between public sector organizations from different levels and functional areas of government, between public and private sector organizations, and across different public administration systems.
A one-stop shop is a government agency that consolidates services from multiple public administration authorities, allowing individuals to complete various tasks in a single visit. Services are tailored to various groups, including citizens (G2C), businesses (G2B), government agencies (G2G), employees (G2E), and visitors (G2V). For example, citizens can access social security benefits (G2C), businesses can obtain licenses to operate (G2B), government agencies can collaborate on construction plans (G2G), employees can receive training (G2E), and visitors can apply for visas (G2V). Generally, there are twelve key G2C services and eight G2B services available. While public sectors are increasingly adopting e-government, one of the major challenges is addressing the needs of those who face barriers to accessing telecommunications services, such as individuals with disabilities.
Decentralization can improve service reach by bringing services closer to communities, and solutions to guarantee accessibility are already available. Implementing strategies specific to the needs of these marginalized populations such as accessible interfaces, assistive technologies, and mobile-friendly platforms is essential. Governments can bridge these gaps by adopting inclusive technologies and approaches.
Let us imagine a scenario where citizens require basic health screenings something that many fortunate individuals can access conveniently with digital watches. For instance, Mozambique, like many African nations, is grappling with a learning crisis; according to UNESCO, 89% of children in sub-Saharan Africa cannot read and comprehend age-appropriate texts by age 10. Additionally, a report by Doctors Without Borders highlights the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, which began in 2017 and continues to severely disrupt healthcare access. Over one million people have been displaced, and many health facilities have been destroyed or remain non-functional. Even though there has been a decrease in violence in 2023, the situation remains unstable, with attacks impeding humanitarian efforts and healthcare services. The lack of safety and ruined infrastructure limits access to essential healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic or urgent conditions. The rainy season exacerbates the situation, leading to outbreaks of diseases like malaria. Doctors Without Borders continue to provide support, focusing on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and improving water and sanitation. However, access to healthcare remains limited, and Doctors Without Borders advocates for greater protection for medical staff and facilities.
Our question is: Do these individuals have to travel long distances to access basic services? Are they living in the digital era?
Today, AI has the potential to act as a virtual doctor companion, revolutionizing healthcare access. What are we waiting for? It is time to take action for digital transformation and leverage it for sustainability.
Ultimately, the key is not just to have the right solutions in place but to ensure widespread adoption of these solutions. This requires a commitment from governments, service providers, and other stakeholders to prioritize accessibility, provide proper infrastructure, and educate the public about the availability of these services. With the right focus and collaboration, we can significantly bridge the existing disparities. Partnerships and strong alliances are essential for making progress, and cooperation is crucial. For instance, in Mozambique, the initiative that engaged 2 million people with the help of both governmental and non-governmental organizations demonstrates the power of partnerships. These organizations can collaborate to ensure that digital services, such as educational content and telemedicine, reach the most underserved and rural regions. Currently, we have an on-road version designed for mobility in harsh environments, but our goal extends to developing an amphibious version to connect islands and areas that are difficult to access. No one should be left behind; the more inclusive we are, the more we will all feel the positive impacts of digital transformation, both environmentally and economically.
Our vision for expanding the reach of our solutions is both inspiring and critical to ensuring that no community is overlooked in the digital transformation. The existing on-road version has already made a significant impact. However, our goal of evolving to an amphibious version that is capable of connecting islands and other hard-to-reach areas highlights our commitment to inclusion. The ability to connect remote areas, whether landlocked or separated by water, could guarantee that even the most geographically challenged regions can have access to critical services such as education, healthcare, and government resources. Such an approach could help remove barriers that have traditionally limited access to these services, creating a more inclusive society. One potential solution for telecom operators seeking to extend network data services is an economic assessment. By implementing our methodology, immediate deployment can be achieved, along with revenue generation to finance solid infrastructure for connectivity.
The Government of Gambia has already signed an agreement for the implementation of e-services delivery, and broad partnerships are encouraged. This represents a significant opportunity to create strong business synergies, particularly in collaboration with major technology companies across hardware, software, and telecommunications sectors, facilitating market expansions. We are fully open to exploring these opportunities.
Currently, we are focused on enhancing the proof of concept in Portugal, in collaboration with the University of Évora through a program titled RapidGov. The objective is to build upon initiatives established through various global partnerships and expertise. Our efforts aim to revolutionize e-commerce, particularly in the context of complex delivery systems. To this end, we have developed a drone port and charging station designed to facilitate deliveries, which has the potential to substantially transform business operations.
SST’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Mobility 54, the corporate venture capital subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Group has recently awarded SST with the “Best Mobility Solution Award” for E services. This award recognises SST’s impact and excellence in providing innovative mobility solutions. This recognition, coupled with ongoing explorations with Nokia, highlights SST's standing as a leading entity in the telecommunications sector.
In recent months, we have collaborated with Nokia on their Rural Connect initiative, an innovative solution designed to enhance connectivity in rural areas. This concept facilitates SST (Backhauling), enabling seamless mobile data and voice services on top of our current service offerings. Developed by Nokia’s Mobile Networks team in the MEA region, Nokia Rural Connect is an award-winning solution that integrates mobile RAN technology with renewable energy and circularity principles, significantly reducing carbon emissions through green energy. By combining mobile connectivity with essential social services, the Nokia Rural Connect + SST solution delivers immense value to underserved communities, promoting social and economic development. Currently, this solution is being discussed with leading CSPs across the market, with the goal of accelerating rural connectivity and inclusion.
Another important aspect of our telecommunication methodology is its environmentally friendly nature and potential to generate carbon credits. Carbon credits represent a new compensation model that can benefit the telecom industry. This encapsulated methodology relies on green energy and serves as a tool to reduce carbon emissions from citizens travelling from point to point. It can also be used as part of a digital awareness campaign encouraging users to save the planet.
By leveraging these elements, SST is transforming the telecommunications industry and crafting a future where digital services are universally accessible. Its role in bridging technological gaps signifies the dawn of a new era of inclusive growth and empowerment.
Through its forward-thinking initiatives, SST actively welcomes partnerships that align with Sustainable Development Goal 17, move towards a digitally connected world, and set a benchmark for excellence in technology and innovation.
