Connecting the unconnected: Promoting universal access to internet and ICT in northern Mozambique

30.5.2018

 

During recent weeks, a team of FhP-AICOS’ researchers managed to successfully deploy the first SV4D network in Mocuba, northern Mozambique, where there are now users connected to the Internet thanks to their work.

 

Connecting those who are unconnected. This was FhP-AICOS’s (Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS) main mission in Mocuba, northern Mozambique, where a team of our researchers set out to deploy public hotspots in different areas of the city to promote universal access to broadband communications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

After a two-week long trip, Waldir Júnior, Eduardo Pereira, André Pereira and Carlos Resende returned to Portugal after having deployed networking infrastructure based on the WiBACK technology along with other networking services. Effectively, this means that there are now users connected to the internet.

The purpose of the Sustainable Villages for Development (SV4D) project is to promote broadband Internet services and the access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as well the digital inclusion. Besides allowing locals to explore the digital world, this project aims to provide sustainable access to internet users by introducing new business models that promote the improvement of new economic opportunities based on ICT.

Coordinated by Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, this project has the support of FSAU – Fundo do Serviço de Acesso Universal from INCM – Instituto Nacional das Comunicações de Moçambique, and ARCTEL-CPLP - Associação de Reguladores de Comunicações e Telecomunicações da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa.