TV white space for Internet access in the developing world

Nyasulu, Tawachi and Anderson, Dani and Crawford, David H. and Stewart, Robert W. and Brew, Malcolm (2017) TV white space for Internet access in the developing world. In: Turing Talks, 2017-06-13 - 2017-06-13.

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Abstract

In 2013, the University of Strathclyde began working with Microsoft’s 4Afrika programme to create a data communications network in Kenya, providing connectivity and Internet access to a number of rural locations, including schools and health clinics in remote villages. This project has led to the development of Mawingu Networks, a fully licensed internet service provider using “White Space” radio frequencies to enable low cost internet access via renewable powered base stations. Since going live in 2016, the network now has more than 27,000 unique users across a wide geographical area. Despite the fact that universal Internet access is part of the UN’s sustainable development goals, and has been shown to spur social and economic development, a large percentage of people in developing countries do not yet have access. This is often due to a lack of infrastructure, large distances and dispersed populations. This poster presents an overview of TV White Space technologies, with emphasis on our 4Afrika collaboration with Microsoft and Mawingu Networks. In addition, an insight into some recent developments in other African countries (Malawi, Zambia, and Ghana) is presented.

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