While they look like little more than white shoe boxes, systems being tested at the Facebook headquarters may offer a new way for operators to bring connectivity to rural villages.
OpenCellular, an open source wireless access platform, was designed so that anyone can build and operate wireless networks in remote areas, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday in a Facebook status announcing the launch.
It’s the latest example of tech companies moving from drones and lasers high in the sky to local solutions to connect the 4 billion people who lack internet access.
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About the author
Catherine Cheneycatherinecheney
Catherine Cheney is the Senior Editor for Special Coverage at Devex. She leads the editorial vision of Devex’s news events and editorial coverage of key moments on the global development calendar. Catherine joined Devex as a reporter, focusing on technology and innovation in making progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to joining Devex, Catherine earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale University, and worked as a web producer for POLITICO, a reporter for World Politics Review, and special projects editor at NationSwell. She has reported domestically and internationally for outlets including The Atlantic and the Washington Post. Catherine also works for the Solutions Journalism Network, a non profit organization that supports journalists and news organizations to report on responses to problems.