GIFEC, GSMA, Vodafone Ghana, Collaborate for Rural Connectivity
The Connected Society Innovation Fund for Rural Connectivity, which is funded by UK aid from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), was set up to expand digital inclusion in rural areas through innovative new technology solutions. We are delighted that the partnerships between MTN Uganda and iSat Africa, and Vodafone Ghana and NuRAN Wireless, have now brought life-enhancing mobile coverage to up to 50,000 people in several deep rural communities through this project. Below we detail why the Fund is so important and the successful solutions.
The need for greater connectivity
In recent times, the need for connectivity has become abundantly clear. The internet provides a means for people to connect, learn vital skills, access goods and services and gain knowledge. However, these benefits are not accessible to all people and those left out form the ‘coverage gap’. More attention is now being given to reduce the coverage gap and this trend needs to continue for all to be able to realise the benefits of mobile connectivity.
In emerging markets, mobile phones are the key means through which most people access the internet. Therefore, it is important to analyse mobile network connectivity to understand the gap that remains. The GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2020 shows that while there has been significant improvement in mobile network coverage and affordability of devices, 600 million people still live outside of covered areas, 67 per cent of whom are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Most of those who remain uncovered work and live in rural and ultra-rural settlements, where the cost of deploying and maintaining a site can be two to five times that of an urban area and with up to 10 times lower revenues generated, giving a much lower return on investment.
The goal of the Innovation Fund for Rural Connectivity was to develop innovative, commercially viable and scalable solutions that would reach those people in deep rural locations in Sub-Saharan Africa with no existing connectivity.
Bridging the digital divide in Ghana
NuRAN Wireless has now successfully deployed seven mobile network sites in northern Ghana. This comprehensive package is comprised of passive and active infrastructure, including the company’s rural radio access network (RAN). The solution is a low-power technology that utilises solar and optimises the transmission bandwidth over the backhaul.
The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) have worked closely with NuRAN to ensure this project was a success. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Abraham Kofi Asante, CEO of GIFEC says,
“It is observed that universal connectivity requires smart public interventions as market forces are not sufficient. As we explore this partnership to deliver connectivity for communities in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana, the last mile of connecting the unconnected will be achieved to create avenues for digital inclusiveness.”
Mr. Abraham Kofi Asante, CEO, GIFEC
Four of the NuRAN remote network sites cover a five kilometre radius and three cover a two kilometre radius, providing previously unconnected communities with mobile network coverage. Similarly to iSAT, NuRAN also plan to offer digital skills training to locals to teach them how to use mobile internet. They will also install a power system to enable people to charge their phones.
“Now more than ever, the entire world needs to be connected. We at NuRAN Wireless pride ourselves in developing not only accessible and affordable innovative technology, but also in pioneering solutions that earn MNOs’ trust, considerably speeding up the rural connecting process. Our association with the GSMA and Vodafone has been an incredible learning experience and will in fact exceed expectations towards bridging the digital divide.”
Francis Létourneau, President and CEO, NuRAN Wireless
Overcoming the pandemic and flooding to deliver rural connectivity
COVID-19 has challenged both vendor grantees as they looked to implement their solutions. However, they have managed to deliver despite logistical and deployment challenges and have, in some cases, delivered even more than expected. NuRAN’s CEO recalls,
“If the disruptions of the pandemic related to remote project management and supply chain interruptions weren’t enough, the partners had to find different locations than what was originally planned and cope with a severe flood that lifted water levels to the bottom of the treetops. NuRAN took it in their stride, including identifying and employing local businesses where necessary when travel bans restricted outside access to the project.”
Francis Létourneau, President and CEO, NuRAN Wireless
The projects will continue to be monitored for commercial and technical performance for the next 12 months to determine if the solutions are commercially sustainable and can be replicated in similar environments across the region.
