Title
Bringing internet connectivity to rural Zambia using a collaborative approach
Author
Matthee, K.W.
Mweemba, G.
Pais, A.V.
Starn, G.V.
Rijken, M.
TNO Informatie- en Communicatietechnologie
Publication year
2007
Abstract
This paper presents an initiative to bring connectivity to rural Zambia using a collaborative approach. In particular, it focuses on a proof-of-concept Internet service that has been implemented in rural Macha located in the Southern Province of Zambia. The service operates using satellite terminals (for connection to the Internet) and a wireless local area network. The provision of Internet access has enabled local health institutes to operate more effectively and given local people the opportunity to communicate and explore new ideas. It has also created new employment opportunities and generated several projects including a data entry service and a sunflower farming initiative. Being a rural area, several problems hamper progress including frequent electricity outages and the exorbitant cost of bandwidth. International collaboration has been established between LinkNet, the Meraka Institute (South Africa), TNO (Netherlands) and the Global Research Alliance. With its partners, LinkNet addresses the main challenges through applied research and innovation and targets an upscaling of its activities throughout rural Zambia and beyond.
Subject
Data entries
Employment opportunities
International collaborations
Internet access
Internet connectivity
Internet services
LinkNet
Local people
Netherlands
Proof of concept
Satellite terminals
South Africa
Rural areas
Wireless local area networks (WLAN)
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:474e9945-d10d-4c02-ab96-7d5808b4b381
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1109/ictd.2007.4937391
TNO identifier
240449
Source
2007 International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development, ICTD 2007, 15-16 December 2007, Bangalore, India
Document type
conference paper