Satellite Communications & Remote Fieldwork Connectivity Programme

01 Invitation

Project Earth invites mobile telecommunications providers, satellite operators, equipment manufacturers and connectivity specialists to propose the supply of portable satellite telephone and satellite internet capability for authorised Project Earth Sponsors, field researchers and personnel working in remote and underserved communities.

Proposals may offer donated equipment, discounted hardware, sponsored connectivity, technical support, or any combination of these. This is a request for technical partnership and in-kind support, not a conventional paid tender.

02 About Project Earth

Project Earth supports community-led infrastructure and development. Local Project Sponsors lead projects in their own communities, supported by central professional project management from Project Earth.

Much of this work involves remote fieldwork in places where mobile coverage and grid power are unreliable or unavailable. Dependable communications are essential for coordination, reporting, technical consultation and the safety of people in the field.

03 Objectives

The programme aims to provide:

• Dependable voice and data communications in remote locations.
• Connection to Project Earth central coordination from the field.
• One standard portable kit that can be used internationally.
• Lower cost and lower complexity than assembling equipment trip by trip.
• Simple setup and practical troubleshooting support.
• Scalability, so the kit can be deployed to more Sponsors and projects over time.

04 Standard Project Earth Field Communications Kit

The single-box kit is an essential requirement. Everything below should be contained in ONE portable protective box or case:

• Satellite telephone.
• Satellite internet terminal.
• Wi-Fi capability so ordinary phones, laptops and tablets can connect.
• Power supplies and all necessary cables.
• An independent rechargeable battery or other compatible power solution.
• A durable, weather-resistant case.
• An illustrated quick-start guide.
• Emergency procedures.
• Project Earth insignia and an asset identification number.
• Technical support contacts.

The voice and data services may run on separate networks, provided all equipment is packed and supplied together in the one case.

05 Single-Box Deployment

The kit should be deployable in the field by a non-specialist in these steps:

1. Step 1 — Open the case: Unpack only what is needed from the single protective case.
2. Step 2 — Position the terminal: Place the satellite internet terminal with a suitable view of the sky.
3. Step 3 — Power on: Switch on the equipment from the battery or other power source.
4. Step 4 — Activate or confirm the link: Activate the service or confirm the satellite connection is established.
5. Step 5 — Connect devices: Join a laptop, phone or tablet to the kit’s Wi-Fi.
6. Step 6 — Make a satellite call: Use the satellite telephone for voice calls.

Setup should require minimal expertise and no specialist installation.

Proposals should disclose sky-visibility needs, orientation requirements, activation steps, typical setup time, known limitations and power consumption.

06 Project Earth Branding

Approved Project Earth insignia is an essential requirement. Only the approved Project Earth logo, supplied by Project Earth, may be used, applied to:

• The exterior of the case.
• The equipment inventory and serial or asset identification.
• An approved Project Earth graphic quick-start guide.
• A QR code linking to support information.
• Return and maintenance labels.

Suppliers should not invent, redraw or recreate the Project Earth logo. Manufacturer safety and regulatory markings should be preserved and remain visible.

07 Technical Performance

Proposals should state, for each component:

• Coverage: satellite coverage areas, including the countries and regions where Project Earth works.
• Voice: call reliability, battery life, any limitations on emergency calling, and usage fees.
• Internet: upload and download speeds, data caps and fair-use limits.
• Equipment: power consumption, size and weight, activation process and device compatibility.
• Power: battery capacity, solar or other off-grid charging options.
• Resilience: weather, dust, heat and moisture resistance.
• Legal: international legal restrictions on satellite equipment, import rules, and any local permits or licences required.

08 Intended Applications

The kit is intended for:

• Communication with Project Earth headquarters.
• Sending field reports and photographs.
• Community coordination.
• Sharing technical drawings and consulting experts remotely.
• Video calls, where bandwidth allows.
• Logistics and travel coordination.
• Access to Project Earth digital systems.

The kit is not a substitute for local emergency services or for a proper safety plan for each trip.

09 Support Agreement

Proposals should describe how the provider would:

• Supply, configure, test, brand and package each kit.
• Provide onboarding for Project Earth and kit users.
• Provide remote troubleshooting and escalation.
• Handle warranty, repair and replacement.
• Manage subscriptions, activations and suspensions centrally with Project Earth.
• Support kit lifecycle management and redeployment between users and projects.
• State clear service hours, service levels and any charges for support.

10 Sponsorship and In-Kind Support

Support may include:

• In-kind or discounted satellite phones and terminals.
• Sponsored or discounted voice and data services.
• Pilot kits.
• Technical support.
• Branding and case production.
• Preferential rates for later expansion.

Proposals should clearly distinguish what is donated, what is discounted, and what recurring charges would apply.

Project Earth gives no guarantee of purchase or deployment volumes.

11 Pilot Deployment

Project Earth proposes a small, agreed pilot deployment to test setup, reliability, remote coverage, battery performance, portability, support and total costs.

The quantity of kits, locations and duration of the pilot will be negotiated with the selected partner or partners. They are not predetermined.

12 Ownership and Administration

Proposals should address:

• Title to assets: who owns each kit and component.
• Insurance.
• Loss and damage.
• Shipping and customs.
• Service management.
• Returns.
• Security and privacy of communications and data.
• Termination.

Project Earth retains central control of the kits and allocates them to approved Sponsors and personnel.

13 Recognition

Partners may be acknowledged as a Project Earth Technical Support Partner on the Project Earth website, in field reports, in publications and in other agreed communications.

Recognition will be proportionate to the support actually provided. Any use of the Project Earth name, logo or photographs by a partner requires Project Earth’s prior approval, and no partner may state or imply an endorsement that has not been given.

14 Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Company profile.
• Kit specifications.
• Coverage.
• Single-box configuration.
• Setup time.
• Power options.
• Support arrangements.
• In-kind and commercial terms.
• Pilot proposal.
• International restrictions.
• Asset and lifecycle terms.
• Recognition requested.

Joint proposals are welcome, for example a hardware manufacturer with a connectivity provider.

15 Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following weighted criteria:

16 Proposed Agreement

Any agreement would cover:

• Kit specification.
• Pilot deployment.
• Supply and pricing.
• In-kind commitments.
• Service levels.
• Ownership.
• Branding.
• Growth, review and termination.

Project Earth may select more than one provider, or separate providers for hardware and connectivity.

17 Proposal Enquiries and Submissions

Status: OPEN FOR PROPOSALS until further notice. There is no fixed closing date.

Written proposals should be sent by email to project.earth.mw@gmail.com with the subject “PE-RFS-COMMS-001 — Satellite Communications Technical Partnership”. Questions may be asked by email, or on WhatsApp by registered users after signing in.

Project Earth may review proposals as they are received, negotiate with one or more proposers, or close this request once a selection is made.