8/13/2019 A Tiny Cell-Phone Transmitter Takes Root in Rural
Africa _ MIT Technology Review
2/2
Credits: Vanu
Tagged: Computing, Communications, Vanu, iHub
Reprints and Permissions | Send feedback to the editor
The technology is being rolled out with a Zambian partner,
Connect Africa. In a company blogdescribing a meeting with a
traditional leader, Chief Shakumbila, the chief initially expressed
somereservations about the influx of technology, but added: We can
use technology to preserve culture.We will coexistthere is no way
we can stop it because we have to keep up with the world.
Technology is indeed pressing ahead on the African continent,
centered in major hubs, includingNairobi. Electricity supplies are
a key limiting factor. As Africans have more disposable income,
and
also are getting used to the influx of Internet and mobile
connectivity, the need for powerincreases, says Erik Hersman,
director of iHub, a Kenyan startup incubator (see Kenyas
StartupBoom). The western understanding of energy infrastructure
doesnt fit the continent either; itneeds a rethink. And thats why I
think some of the biggest gains will be made in the coming
yearsacross Africatheres just too much of a growing demand and too
few solutions that fit.
Among the other solutions emerging is a gadget called the BRCK,
a device that can connect withany network in the world, provide
eight hours of wireless connectivity battery life, and can
beprogrammed for new applications, such as remote sensing (see This
Box Keeps InformationFlowing During a Crisis).
MIT Technolo Review 2014 v1.13.05.10
