Our interview with François DUBRULLE, President and CEO of The Green Satellite .

What does the work of The Green Satellite involve? And why did you choose that name?

The Green Satellite is a new kind of satellite operator. Its work consists of acquiring satellites that are already operational in space which, due to their position in geostationary orbit or their age, are not the preferred candidates of television platforms, the main clients of traditional satellite operators. Using these satellites, we can offer bandwidth at competitive prices, for Internet access without competition from existing satellite operators. Created just over a year ago, our company embraces the challenge of our time: ensuring the rationalisation and optimal use of resources in a new market system. Our work is characterised by reconciling ecological principles with wealth creation for all.

What are the keys for our society to overcome the digital divide?

Satellite has always been the ideal solution for fast, reliable communication, anywhere. No one can dispute that. But expense has always been a major obstacle to the mass deployment of this technology. Although demand for telecommunications is incredibly strong in emerging countries, the rules of supply and demand don’t apply to most populations, because of the huge income disparities between consumers. So, maximising our profits through an approach that would consist of targeting a few big-budget clients and neglecting the rest isn’t the way we’ve chosen to go. Our model shows that our profits will be substantially higher if we reach more users, in keeping with what has happened historically. Combating the digital divide involves evening out dissymmetries in the use of technologies and making those technologies available to all, while ensuring respect for all.

Do you plan to offer low-cost Internet directly to the public?

No, that’s not our field. We want to concentrate on what we know best: developing and securing a new kind of satellite fleet to offer bandwidth at competitive prices. However, we’re very aware that our clients promote and integrate low-cost services, particularly for rural populations. Understanding the reality on the ground does not only mean understanding the relief, but also usages and local culture. This factor is fundamental. That’s why we’ve opted for a direct relationship – with no intermediaries – with the traditional operators, as well as their challengers, while also taking on new projects that have a strong “ethical” component. We mustn’t forget that all traditional operators are migrating their switched networks to IP networks, which will reduce Internet use in emerging countries. For us, it seems obvious that the populations of those many countries will reveal a new Moore’s Law with regard to the densification of telecommunications networks, on the condition, however, that a real market for Internet access via satellite is created in rural areas. Few have recognised this causal relationship, but we think it provides a unique opportunity for local operators to harness low-cost satellite solutions to win the battle against the digital divide in the 21st century.

When do you expect to launch your commercial service?

Oh, the sooner the better! We’re still in discussions with several satellite operators and given the nature of our exchanges we think we’ll be ready by summer 2008. Indeed, our decision to acquire satellites that are already in orbit enables us to provide a swift, pragmatic response. The team is keen to resist the temptation to develop overly futuristic projects, which are often impracticable. The satellite signals are already there, so our work is focused on commercial rather than technical problems: how to meet the needs of all our potential customers as quickly as possible, at the best price. So, things are progressing very quickly, and we’re virtually ready.

Why have you decided to team up with the Global Digital Solidarity Fund?

The DSF has an unquestionable international influence. What’s more, it seemed logical for us to adhere to the values of the DSF from the outset, and we hope to demonstrate our allegiance to it. Reciprocally, the recognition and support that the DSF has given to our project is a great victory for us. We’re keeping a clear head: this is an important stage in a long process, which certainly has many more surprises in store. We’ll make sure they’re good surprises!