Civilisation in a Box:a multi-utility, shared spectrum approach for underserved communities

DSA Conference - May 2018

H Sama Nwana

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 2

A multi-utility service approach (including Electricity, Wi-Fi shared spectrum, mobile, water) may be the best path to a sustainable & scalable business case for underserved communities in rural areas:

o Shared spectrum based Single infrastructure investment

o Multiple revenue streams

o Containerised solution that can be installed in days

o Provision of full suite of services builds Community spirit and fosters protection of assets

o High profile projects for Corporate Social Responsibility

o Primary focus on renewable energy, slashes diesel costs

o Facilitates access to preferential financing

➔ “Civilization in a Box” Solution

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 3

The principal pillars of modern interconnected society are mostly missing in many rural areas in Africa:▪ Access to reliable power/electricity

▪ Access to shared spectrum – or low cost spectrum

▪ Affordable access to Internet & mobile network

▪ Easily accessible clean water

▪ Basic financial inclusion, financial services

The poorest in society pay the highest price for these gaps:

- Direct costs (high cost of kerosene, travel to places with access, etc)

- Entry-level mobile data plan cost = 11-25% of monthly Gross Nat’l Income

- Opportunity cost in time and productivity (eg. hours to fetch water)

- Health & disease, poor education, lack of modern services

The challenges for rural community inclusion (1)

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 4

Holistic, multi-utility approach for underserved communities:

Imagine delivery to a village of a single container (RPU) installed in 2-3 days, equipped with:

o solar panels and batteries for electric power

o “mini-grid” provides electricity for school, hospital, street lighting, BTS

o Network connectivity for internet access (WiFi hotspots, 2G/4G)

o (Free) Terrestrial or Satellite TV for news, education and entertainment

o Ability to drill a well with electric pump for clean water supply

o Cache servers for relevant local IT content (Education, Agriculture)

o Financial services through mobile money

o Integrated kiosk for battery re-charging services, mobile money agent, solar lanterns & WiFi access vouchers (and cold drinks!)

➔ All main pillars of modern society are delivered to the village!

Vision: Civilization in a Box (Wi-Fi + TVWS)

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 5

Presentation at Facebook Open Cellular (TIP) Conference in Nairobi, 20th June 2017

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 6

Thibaud Rerolle is Dir. of Tech. of Safaricom..

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 7

These basic gaps perpetuate the demographic (and political) challenges facing many countries:▪ Mass migration of the young & skilled to urban areas (creating infrastructure stress in the cities &

urban poverty)

▪ Inability to attract businesses and jobs to rural areas

▪ Inability to attract skilled professionals (teachers, doctors)

▪ Low school attendance (time spent fetching water, lack of incentive)

▪ High birth and mortality rates

▪ Disaffection and social/political unrest

Decades of good intentions and yet billions remain in underserved communities (>700m in Africa)

The challenges for rural community inclusion (2)

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 8

Civilization in a Box

Winch Energy Offgrid solution in

Mauritania

Civilization in a Box

VERSIONSThe RPU is containerized with all the components inside a conventional shipping container which can be transported by

truck, placed and installed where a supply of energy is required.

The RPU is scalable to different power configurations, being 3 variants:

➢ RPU Large: 29.76 kWp / storage 131 kWh/ 40 foot container

➢ RPU Standard : 16.74 kWp / storage 73 kWh / 40 foot container

➢ RPU Small: 7.44 kWp / storage 32 kWh 20 foot container

COMMUNICATIONSWinch have designed and incorporated into each RPU a proprietary state of the art visual communications system,

otherwise known as the Winch Rural Communications System (“WRCS”).

Each RPU is/will be equipped with the latest low power and high definition LED display screen and sat. TV/2G/3G

connectivity. This WRCS technology will be powered by the RPU and have no material impact on the RPU’s primary

purpose as a power generation unit. It will allow multi functions including:

• One off notifications and communications, such as Ministry of Health guidance or other urgent security messaging

• Wi-Fi broadband connectivity (Education, Business & Personal Support).

• Access to National TV broadcasts and government information programs

• Advertising

INTERNAL LAYOUT

Mauritania Case Study- Nimjat • Winch has installed an RPU 17 in the remote village of Nimjat (1500 people), located 150km South East of

Nouakchott. The village leadership informed us that now, for the first time in about 100 years, they are expecting

substantial migration back to the village.

• RPU provides electricity through a mini-grid to the local school, the dispensary, the mosque, 20 houses and

streetlights. The village now has Wi-Fi Internet access, a DSTV and electric water pumping.

• Outstanding community support, protective attitude for village assets

• We have signed a contract with the Mauritania Government for up to 1,000 RPU installations in the next 5 years.

Can we add comments like this?

Atlantic Telecoms and MediaCommercial in Confidence Page 13

This “MUSP” model has all the ingredients for scalable success.

It requires commitment for cross-sector integrated solutions.

It requires stronger coordination and active engagement between industry & government/regulators.

The business & socio-economic benefits will be worth it!

Conclusion – Message for Governments