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The Second Science with Africa Conference

The Second Science with Africa Conference. Low Cost Broadband Access and Infrastructure: The CWRC Experience Dr. Dorothy Okello. Presentation Outline. Introduction Community Wireless Concept CWRC Networks Challenges Recommendations. Introduction.

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The Second Science with Africa Conference

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  1. The Second Science with Africa Conference Low Cost Broadband Access and Infrastructure: The CWRC Experience Dr. Dorothy Okello

  2. Presentation Outline • Introduction • Community Wireless Concept • CWRC Networks • Challenges • Recommendations

  3. Introduction • Community Wireless Resource Centre (CWRC) is a research and training centre established 2006 • Established in Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, with support of IDRC and IT+46 • Aim to make connectivity more affordable by implementing shared ICT access infrastructure • In 2008, received Millennium Science Initiative grant of Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and World Bank

  4. Community Wireless Concept • Concept is based on possibility for groups or communities to build self-ownedand operated communication networks • Community wireless networks are an emerging solution for rural and underserved communities • Communities benefit from cheaper and easier access by sharing costs of Internet access

  5. CWRC Networks • CWRC established networks at four telecentres in Uganda: Kachwekano, Kabale, Lira, Nabweru • Networks operate in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band – free (unlicenced) spectrum • 16 partners in the networks equally share internet costs with their host telecentres: 9 in Kabale/Kachwekano, 4 in Nabweru, 3 in Lira • Telecentre managers have been trained in basic technical support for the networks

  6. Sample network setup CWRC Networks …/2

  7. Challenges • Partners are not sensitized, for instance, on innovative ways of managing bandwidth so as to reduce bandwidth required • Limited bandwidth being shared among the partners • Availability and affordability of equipment for wireless networks • Appropriate business model that charges partners equal flat rates instead of bandwidth consumed • High turnover of telecentres managers and CWRC research staff

  8. Recommendations • Capitalise on wireless/mobile ability to increase outreach of ICT services and opportunities • Promote low cost, low energy mobile devices • Policy and regulation for favourable (and affirmative) environment for setup of rural wireless services [Sample costs: Sensitisation workshops/exhibitions – 100,000 USD] • Support for R & D (both student/graduate/technology transfer training as well as access to technology and technical literature) [Sample costs: 6 MSc, 3 PhD – 300,000 USD] • Support research laboratories (testing/monitoring equipment, signal generators, customer-based equipment) [Sample costs: Assorted equipment – 500,000 USD]

  9. Thank You for Your Attention Contact Dr. Dorothy Okello Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering / Director, Community Wireless Resource Centre (CWRC) Faculty of Technology, Makerere University Tel: +256-41-4531046 Fax: +256-41-4533163 Email: dkokello@tech.mak.ac.ug Web: www.tech.mak.ac.ug/cwrc

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