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The Second Science with Africa Conference

Explore the CWRC experience in implementing shared ICT access infrastructure to make connectivity affordable in underserved areas. Learn about the challenges faced and recommendations for improving rural wireless services.

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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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