Russian adventures OpenBTS

(Again, not about 26S3)

It seems our cellular operators have seriously decided to expand into emerging markets.

With a theatrical delay of 5 minutes consortium VimpelCom (Beeline brand) and Alfa Group have applied to bid on the privatization of Zamtel (Cell-Z) - the third largest mobile operator, Zambia with 200 thousand subscribers against 700 thousand in MTN and 3 million from Zain.

In this case the total population of almost 12 million people, the literacy rate is even decent - 80% (estimated 2003), but the average income of all US $ 1,150 per year, although the majority of the population lives on less than US $ 360 per year. Since electricity is traditionally the problem - many base stations powered by diesel generators, and Huawei is very proud of the fact that he was able to halve the consumption of diesel in the base stations of its production in Zambia.

It turns out almost perfect picture for the implementation of solutions to OpenBTS. With such a small scope of the existing network of docking with the SIP should not cause big problems. Using the correct equipment c OpenBTS will dispense diesel generators at all, solely by solar panels and wind turbines. But the use of open products and modular architecture gives superior flexibility.

PS Yes, now OpenBTS not yet ready for mass deployment. But a year later, when he obrastet all the necessary capabilities and when arrive through the "proper equipment", the best solution for such implementations will not be found. "Proper equipment is already being developed by several teams (including this), but the possibilities are added with enviable speed. So wait, soon on your screens ...

PS Internet domain Zambia - ZM.

Remember, until recently, even in Moscow, to connect to the internet could only through the home network, which were created by enthusiasts? And the first time, only enthusiasts and their use, and ordinary people before the Internet was not the case. Apparently this is the natural course of history, when available internet access appears at first in local communities, "for friends".

Here are a couple examples from the distant (from us) places where the Internet - it is still a luxury, not a "conveyance". Marcelo Balisteri mailing list Village Telco presented his video about Parque On Line - a small "provider" that provides the Internet in the slums of Brazil:

Parque On Line

The second example - from a fresh blog entries by David Rowe: Baboons, Mesh Networks, and Community . It tells the story of mesh-network in Scarborough (near Cape Town, South Africa), through which the people of this small town have an opportunity to gain access to the Internet. Even for free, if you are willing to have a lower priority than paying subscribers.

Interestingly, in both cases it is a business, but business is not greedy, thinking not only about money but about people. Socio-oriented business.

PS The next recording his impressions about our very interesting visit to the CCC.