What was the point in the trip?
To install the PolkaSpots Wireless Hotspot System in Macha, a rural village in the heart of Zambia.
Why was it important?
Their Internet access costs thousands of dollars a month for a 128kbit/s service (about 30 times slower than the average UK broadband line). They have over 100 users and our system was used to control access to ensure everyone gets a good quality service.
Surely there are more important things to worry about?
I thought so too 12 months ago but I've change my mind... Being involved in such a project makes you realise how important it is to keep these remote communities connected to the world. The schools and hospital have access, jobs have been created and adults are taking distant learning courses. There's even a lady who teaches an 8 year old piano from her home, more than 8,000km away.
NB. I wrote this from my hut in the Zambian bush so there are a few typos!
Sitting in a cafe in Terminal 5, enjoying a beer while checking a few last minute details with the guys and girls in the office.
Zambia's going to be a little different... I can't wait for the change of scenery and culture shock. It will be great to finally meet the team at LinkNet and Gertjan again.
It's the 11th of November and I'm on my way to terminal 5 to catch my flight to Zambia.
I have a rucksack filled to the brim with PolkaSpots Wi-Fi Hotspot boxes, cables, laptops, cameras, mosquito nets and more.
Can't wait to get started. I'm due to arrive tomorrow at 630am and will be catching another internal flight to Macha where the first of the wireless mesh networks is installed.
We have ten days to set up Wireless Hotspots in 5 rural African villages. What's the point everyone keeps asking when we don't have it all over the UK yet? It seems like a luxury, but the addition of Wi-Fi will bring the kids, adults, schools, businesses and hospitals so much. At PolkaSpots, we're proud to be giving something back.
LinkNet is a cooperative organization providing a low cost tailored communications infrastructure and services for special interest groups in rural areas. You can read about them here...
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