SolarNetOne Wants Stable Internet Connections For Developing Nations

There are many initiatives to bring tech to developing areas of the globe; things like OLPC, Geekcorps, and UN programs. One new approach from SolarNetOne strives to allow users in those developing areas to have access to an internet connection without having to depend on unreliable infrastructure. "Each SolarNetOne kit is a self-powered communications network. Energy is produced from a solar array sized to each locale's latitude and predominant weather conditions. The generated power is stored in a substantial battery array, and circuit breakers and electronics protect the gear from overloads and other perturbations. A basic kit includes five 'seats,' implemented as thin clients connected through a LAN to a central server. The networking gear also includes a long-range, omnidirectional WiFi access point, and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. Each kit also includes all the cables and wires required to assemble the system, so few additional materials are required for an installation."

Comments

Priorities

[motherpusbucket]

It seems like this should be a lower priority in developing nations. Not to make light of the situations in third world countries, but when your posting on FB that your mood is constantly 'hungry' or 'sick', something is wrong.

The Internet can feed the world

[ultraexactzz]

...but only if you can figure out a way to download food, clean water, and medicine.

I'm not certain that internet access is the best way to help developing nations, when so many more basic necessities are lacking. You can't download political stability, either - and many basic supplies are hijacked before reaching those most in need. You can't fix that with a laptop.