Safaricom uses solar, wind energy to reach remote locations

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August 15, 2008, 04:15 PM —  IDG News Service — 

As power costs rise and the progress of connecting rural areas to mobile services remains slow, Kenyan mobile telecom provider Safaricom has set up 100 base stations powered by solar and wind energy at a cost of 250 million Kenya shillings (US$3.8 million).

The base stations are in remote locations such as Lokichoggio, Kapenguria, Kakuma and Lodwar in Northern Kenya, and are meant to increase network coverage and capacity countrywide, said Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO.

"Electricity at some of these locations is nonexistent, but we overcame this challenge by installing the alternative power sources," said Joseph. "We have invested heavily in these base stations, which run on alternative energy sources, to ensure that every Kenyan can access our services."

After the base stations were set up, Safaricom had to increase capacity in some areas because the demand was higher than envisaged and subscriber numbers have increased tremendously, Joseph said.

"We have noted great demand for communication in these remote areas. We find that even before we have installed the sites, the communities have bought phones and airtime as they wait for the base station to be commissioned," he said. "Our aim is to provide voice and data services anywhere in the country. Safaricom will continue to upgrade the network and improve the quality of service."

As part of the rural connectivity program, Safaricom recently completed and commissioned a terrestrial microwave link between Lodwar and the Safaricom network. The link was previously through a satellite system.

IDG News Service

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Comments

These kinds of solutions are

These kinds of solutions are going to be come VERY popular in coming years, even in highly industrialized nations. It's a great niche that's screaming for attention.
| reply

solar internet access

what are prospects of cheap laptops run on solar able to acccess world wide web via safaricom in wanguru kirinyaga district.We are hoping the technology will be available at a reasonable tarif in near future.
| reply

wind energy

It is true that alternative energy solutions are expensive, however I have been able to produce affordable 1kw wind generators locally [Kenya]. I am seeking partners who are prepared to invest in the venture.
Gideon ogude
Winam Engineering
winogude@yahoo.com
| reply
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