drive-by wifi

I recall back in the late 1980s when I first communicated via old DOS-level BBS software with a friend. The other person was in the same city as I, and I could have just as easily picked up the phone and talked on the phone.

But explorations into the digital mode proved too interesting, and a kind of chat ensued.

Think of the huge improvements in the technology now. It is light-years ahead.

But not all people can and have the access that those in technologically developed nations. The cost of fiber optic cables and telecommunications towers is still prohibitively expensive.

And the thrill of communicating with those far and near at a relatively low cost is still there for so many of the world's young.

First Mile Solutions in India is, however, pioneering a kind of relay system that makes the most of wireless technology. It uses wireless to pickup email and other drop-offs by people in a remote village, then journeys to a town that is online, and it drops off the delivered items, and picks up anything destined for any of the netizens in the remote village.

The technology used is something called DakNet.

The next time the wifi outfiited cycle or bus goes to the remote village, it will drop off any picked up items and again pick up new stuff.

Check out their website here, and the United Villages movement.

The Times of India article is here.

There are currently projects in Rwanda, Cambodia, Cost Rica, and India.

Innovative India!

Such cost-cutting measures that enable greater participation in the internet melee (scrum?) should be encouraged!

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