Wireless Technology

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
Summary:
Network deployment in rural areas of developing nations is a challenge to social conscience, technical capability, and affordability. Because most rural areas have no copper telecommunication legacy, they can leapfrog to using wireless technologies. These technologies allow "bypassing stages in capacity building or investment through which countries were previously required to pass during the process of economic development.
 
Contact:
Mr Mthandazo Dhlamini
 
Current Status:
Purpose of the Project:
The community around University of Fort Hare does not have access to Technology. This community is detached from vibrant metropolitan areas and hence a few people access the technology in the few organizations in this community mainly, The University of Fort Hare, Nkonkobe Municipality and other small companies which may have such privileges. So what it means is that the generality of the residents may not be aware of such technologies as the internet and hence awareness is necessary to create awareness within the community about this technology.
 
Resources Needed:
 Infrastructure Requirements
There is a need to gain access to the internet, this can be possible if there is a fiber coming through Alice and making this accessible to some places. Wireless access devices are needed, and hence the establishments of wireless access points. It is important to bear in mind that people in the local communities cannot afford workstation (PCs). Libraries can thus be developed to provide accesses by equipping them with the necessary infrastructure.
 
Training Requirements
It goes without saying that the community would need some training. A train the trainer course could be crafted and hence identify key individuals who can later drive the project by training other members of the community. The following could be a very important part of computer training: ICDL – International Computer Driving License. This training trains an individual in the totality of using the technology. Training on use of internet to promote and advertise their culture, projects, activities, natural resources, and business could be vital to the community.
 
Equipment Availability
The issue of equipment is critical. Ideally, each member of the community should have access to computer equipment which would enable them to access the internet. Where possible, members of the community may need to be assisted to be able to procure their own equipment like PCs/laptops. Where this is difficult, there should be designated areas (fully equipped) where community members can visit and be able to access the internet. The proposed places could be schools in the vicinity, libraries, some designated places within the Nkonkobe Municipality.
 
Wireless Hotspots
If wireless technology was to be introduced it would very important to establish hot spots throughout the Alice community. This would enable community members to be able to access the internet at a variety of places throughout the whole community. We can also engage the Telkom Centre of excellence in this area as, I am told, have setup up some wireless infrastructure in Dwesa in the Eastern Cape. In this project the wireless capability provided covers large tracks of land and many rural dwellings. In Dwesa Telkom Centre of Excellence working with some students from University of Fort Hare used the WiMAX technology. WiMAX technology is presented as a technology that can now provide broadband connectivity in developing regions.
 
 
Press: (put things like publicity links here)