Winch Energy, iWayAfrica announce The Winch Hub to accelerate energy and internet access in rural parts of Uganda
Global off-grid renewable energy operator and technology integrator, Winch Energy and African ISP iWayAfrica will deploy a remote solar kiosk under a pilot program.
The Winch Hub (WH®) is a bespoke containerized off-grid solution designed and manufactured by Winch, to provide energy and communication services to residential, public and business customers located in rural environments. It features integrated VSAT equipment to provide high-quality and affordable broadband connectivity.
The kiosk will be made available to five communities in Bunjako Island, a fishing village on the shores of Lake Victoria, with an estimated population of 20,000 people.
This pilot is the proof of concept for a larger project of more than 250 hubs and remote power units to be installed in rural villages providing electricity, wi-fi, water pumping and cold storage services to households, schools, health centers and businesses across the country. This effort will be key in helping to accelerate the Ugandan government’s broadband strategy, particularly its goal of achieving minimum broadband speeds of 3Mbps and coverage of 100% of Uganda’s rural areas by 2020.
“Around 80% of Uganda is unserved by reliable means of electricity, with around 65% of the population remaining without access to the internet”, said Tom Wrigley, Director, Winch Energy Group and Winch Energy Uganda.
“Demand for these services amongst rural populations is significant and it is up to the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure this demand is met, in a rapid and affordable manner. The objective of this pilot is to demonstrate the commercial and economic sustainability of the ‘multi-service in a box’ approach, which will help us execute our broader plan of rapidly scaling our technology deployment, alongside key public stakeholders”, he added.
“Operating as JOLAspot, the Ku-Band Wi-Fi access service will be available via several access points in the village with voucher purchases from the WH, that will also offer mobile phone charging and printing facilities,” explains Michèle Scanlon, Managing Director, iWayAfrica (VSAT Wholesale Services Division).
“We are in discussions with local companies to manufacture and assemble our technology on Ugandan soil which will help boost the local economy, open up export opportunities, transfer key skills to local personnel and shorten the delivery time to customers”, concluded Wrigley.
Credit: Developing Telecoms
