Information: Gabal

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The Republic of Gabal is a small island in the South Pacific. It relatively recently emerged from years of colonial rule into an independent liberal democracy. Gabal understands the importance of security guarantees with larger allies—primarily the Republic of Torbia—but will readily accept assistance from other foreign countries. The government respects the freedom of speech in media and telecommunications.

Satellite Telecommunications

Gabal does not own any satellites, but leases satellites for communications and entertainment from South Torbia. It currently has a long-term lease on a Ka band High Throughput Satellite (HTS) through Kacific Broadband Satellites for internet services which will expire in ten years. The population relies heavily on satellite for telecommunication services, such as television and internet.

Navigation

Gabal may commercially purchase or is gifted, in order to garner favors, global positioning receivers that support commercial needs. These are primarily used legally by the local fishing vessels and illegally by the smugglers that bring in goods to the country for the black market.

Public Communications Media

Gabal’s media community is small and media freedom is respected. The government does not engage in obvious censorship, but broadcasters, based on cultural traditions, do not generally test the boundaries of permissible reporting. While telecommunications are satellite based, Gabal is planning for the installation of submarine fiber optic cable to improve internet connectivity.

Internet

Gabal claims that over 50% of its population can access the internet. While the number is likely accurate, television remains the primary means of entertainment. Gabal’s internet operates on a satellite backbone provided by a single company, Cuuva.tv, that operates under the auspices of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Department of Gabal. The economic value of the internet to Gabal’s population will increase as mobile phone data usage increases and more internet companies start to emerge on the island. Social media, generally free from government intrusion, is growing in popularity. Internet is available at no cost in the airport and other government facilities, such as the library and community center in populace centers.

Television

Gabal does not have any local television broadcast capability. The population relies on satellite dishes to watch foreign television stations, primarily from the Republic of Torbia and the Federated States of Belesia. Television is the primary means of communication and entertainment in the country, even in the rural areas. As the tourism business increases and the popularity of certain shows with the younger generation increase, the demand for local television programming may lead to the development of an indigenous television company.

Radio

Gabal has one radio station, run by the government, Radio Gabal.  The Media Department of the Government of the Republic of Gabal operates Radio Gabal, which includes relays of programming from international broadcasters.  The station broadcasts local news programming twice a day, one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening.  In between the Gabal broadcasts, BBC World Service is broadcast. Gabal could see more radio stations emerge due to more foreigners moving to the island, increasing the capability to run and maintain them.

Print Media

Two newspapers operate in Gabal, one operated by the government, and one privately owned. The newspapers represent a variety of political stances, international news and regional events. The government-operated newspaper is available only in print, where the privately owned newspaper is available in print and electronic copies. In addition, international newspapers are available for tourists at various resorts.

Telephone

Gabal telephone service consists of a single state-owned company, the Republic of Gabal Telecommunications Corporation (GTC). The GTC provides fixed line telephone communications and mobile phone services. There are over 1000 main lines in use by tourist resorts and government agencies on Gabal. Mobile phone services are used by 19 percent of the local population, mainly for texting and emails. Radiotelephone communications between the islands and international services are provided via satellite.

Postal/Courier

Users find the Gabal postal network available, reasonably priced, and generally reliable. The local population is slowly moving away from sending letters; younger residents rely on mobile and internet technology to maintain contact with friends and family. Gabal has a small UPS branch office, enabling tourist and local businesses to mail packages throughout the world.

Word of Mouth

Communication by word of mouth continues to be the primary means of passing information in rural areas of Gabal. Older generations largely prefer traditional face-to-face conversation. Word-of-mouth communication is also enabled by VHF and UHF radios.

Information Control

While the government of Gabal does not directly control information flow, it does sometimes attempt to suppress discussion of government corruption. Gabalians are increasingly pushing back against this limited censorship. Greater access to social media avoids direct governmental influence and will likely end formal censorship efforts entirely.

INFOWAR

The Republic of Gabal does not conduct any formal INFOWAR campaigns, but the government does attempt to cast the country in a positive light through various media both internally and externally.

Electronic Warfare

Gabal does not have any electronic warfare (EW) capability.

Computer Attack

Gabal does not have a cyber-attack capability, but has been looking to develop this capability due to the threat from countries in the region. Additionally, Gabal is looking to increase their current cyber defense capabilities to better identify and deter threats to their national security.

Information Attack

Gabal does not have an Information Attack capability.

Deception

Gabal’s military is so small it does not have the ability to conduct formal deception operations with its limited assets. The government media outlets could possibly be used to influence their audience, but there is no coordinated effort to do so at this time.

Physical Destruction

Gabal does not have a Physical Destruction capability.

Protection and Security Measures

Gabal currently has a small Protection and Security Measures (PSM) capability in place for its governmental electronic systems. Gabal is working with the Republic of Torbia and other countries to secure its government and economic electronic systems. Gabal is also training employees, military and government workers, on better practices to secure classified information within facilitates and across all media domains, internally and externally.

Perception Management

Gabal perception management is mainly limited to attempting to craft a positive message about the government through soft influence of media and relying on traditional cultural norms that dictate not making problems public knowledge. While formally tied to the Republic of Torbia, Gabal tries to appear neutral in order to attract tourists from all countries.

Intelligence

Gabal’s government maintains a very small military for defensive and ceremonial purposes. Gabal relies on the national police force to handle domestic issues, internal security, and for reinforcement of the military in a national emergency.  Intelligence of any value comes from a very small police intelligence unit; that information is relayed to the military through a liaison officer. Any other intelligence support must come from another country’s military. There is discussion to stand up a military intelligence unit, but limited funds continue to delay the actual activation.

Human Intelligence

Gabal’s military has some human intelligence (HUMINT) capability. Most HUMINT is limited to informants that tell the police about possible future smuggling operations. Gabal’s government offers a standing reward system for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in smuggling or illegal fishing operations. Informants are often individuals involved on the periphery of such operations, turning in others for financial gain.

Open Source Intelligence

Gabal relies on open source intelligence (OSINT) as its primary means of strategic intelligence, but are not enough intelligence personnel to make it successful. Gabal’s OSINT focuses on the collection of information from their regional neighbors, especially as it pertains to their relationships with Gabal.

Signals Intelligence

Gabal possesses little signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability; SIGINT operations consist of little more than attempts to monitor the transmissions of smugglers and illegal fishermen in an attempt to intercept them in the midst of their operations. Any more advanced signals intelligence capability will come from allied militaries.

Imagery Intelligence

Gabal possesses little imagery intelligence (IMINT) capability, mainly consisting of aerial photography from helicopters and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) involved in the anti-smuggling operations. Gabal’s government is in discussion with other countries about purchasing additional UAS in the near future to support anti-smuggling operations. UAS could cover the large coastline of Gabal at a reduced cost, and when unusual naval activity along the coast is detected, helicopters or speedboats could be sent to intercept the possible smugglers or fishermen.

Measurement and Signatures Intelligence

Gabal does not have a measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT) capability and relies on military partners for any such information.

Summary

As the Republic of Gabal improves its telecommunications infrastructure, the focus will remain on supporting economic areas such as tourism and export. The expansion of internet and television will be the primary focus, as the younger generation and tourists require fast and stable internet connections. INFOWAR capabilities will improve as Gabal institutes its PSM improvements in the government and economic systems to secure itself against cyber-attacks from outside threats.