Business centre
August 17, 2008
Trade-POD is a business centre that will serve the requirements of the local business community because it is totally flexible in how the facility can be used.
A social entrepreneur will be identified to take on the daily management of the facility. Business start ups will be helped to get going with advice and access to microfinance, if required.
Training of all types will be provided to enable businesses to expand or improve on the service or products they supply their customer base.
A ‘Business in a box’ mobile phone service will be provided. This is software to make a mobile phone a payphone so a service can be offered to people with a tariff of charges for using the service. The starter kit includes a charger, the necessary software and marketing leaflets to enable the service to be promoted proactively.
A Micro-finance service will be operated to enable micro and small business operators to access finance that helps them develop and in some cases, free themselves from the grips of loan sharks to be able to operate as they wish.
Motorola Base Station
August 14, 2008
Motorola has been working with the GSM Association on a trial project in Namibia which was announced at 3GSM Barcelona in February 2007.
“A key challenge in much of Africa is connecting people in off-grid locations and this project seeks to highlight to operators that wind and solar power is a real and cost effective alternative. We expect this pilot to become a showcase for the industry and to see replication of the model thereafter,” said Dawn Hartley, Development Fund manager at the GSMA.
“With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this Motorola solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity. This is an important project for us and commencement of the wind and solar cell site trial is proof of our commitment to our customers to provide the essential communication services needed in the region,” said Albertus Aochamub, corporate services general manager, MTC Namibia.
By incorporating renewable energy solutions into communication networks Motorola is trialling this solution as a feasible option for operators instead of utilising costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection. The Dordabis cell site will remain a part of MTC Namibia’s live GSM network throughout the trial.
Geo-POD
August 14, 2008
A sustainable infrastructure facility using locally manufactured units called PODs; the Geo-POD acts as the catalyst for people in developing countries to change their lives.