Wi-Fi Hotspot News

I've been back in the UK now for just about 2 weeks, it's been next to impossible to write on the PolkaSpots Blog. Sorry if you've missed it, we've had more than a couple of complaints! I think I managed to use all my creative juices up writing from under my mosquito net in a wooden hut.

Much of our attention is currently is focused on Linknet's project to deploy a network of Wireless Hotspots across Zambia. It's great to see our system being used to it's full potential and Macha is currently seeing around more than 1Gb of data downloaded everyday. That's more than the average hotel and considering that's using a 128kbit/s satellite service, quite impressive.

Last week enjoyed the company of Mr. van Stam in the PolkaSpots office. He was staying with me for a week having been asked to talk at the CTO's conference on 'Investing in ICT in Emerging Markets'. Sadly we couldn't make it down but were able to read his presentation on the LinkNet site here.

Keep your eyes peeled over the next week for ways that you can help bring the Internet to rural Africa.

That's what a friend of mine said last night when I told him I was off to Zambia to sort out a Wi-Fi Mesh Network for Linknet. The truth is, Linknet are bringing the Internet to 25 rural African villages. They've asked that I come and help them with their mission.

In Western countries, the Internet is taken for granted. We use it all the time for business and pleasure. In Rural Africa, things are vastly different. The Internet will be such a massively essential part of people lives, we're proud to be helping out.

I'll be off on November 11th 2009 for ten days. During my time there, I'll be helping the Linknet team with their existing network and adding 5 more villages. What a great opportunity - I can't wait to get them going.

Update: you can download the press release here.