Open_BTS_a_GSM_experiment_in_rural_Zambi.ppt

1. OpenBTS, a GSM experiment
in rural Zambia
Jacqueline Mpala
University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Gertjan van Stam
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Africomm 2012, 12 Nov 2012
Yaounde, Cameroon

2. 1. Problem Statement
2. Objectives
3. Methodology
4. Work Done
5. Experience
6. Future Work
7. Acknowledgements
Presentation Outline

3. Problem Statement
Lack of ICT infrastructure shows down
progress in rural areas
Disparity in access leads to unequal
opportunities
Lack of people with adequate ICT skills
Chikanta Village in Zambia’s Southern
Province is a case compounding all these
Macha Works/LinkNet operates a solar
powered cyber café in Chikanta

4. Location of Chikanta Village

5. Objectives
Practical research project UNZA
(Lusaka) and Macha Works (rural
Zambia) in line with MoU and with
international partners
Experience in real life tests and rural
African implementation
Aim for cost effective mobile service
Utilizing internet backhaul

6. Methodology
The project was divided into two parts:
1.Research & Development identifying
suitable implementation for objectives
2.Acquisition and operation of prototype
to demonstrate implementation, and
make recommendations for future work

7. Work done
Project Lead:
– Jacqueline Mpala, University of Zambia
Project Facilitators:
– At Macha Works, UNZA, and IEEE (Zambia)
Project Assistants:
– Pupils Chikanta High School:
1. Melody Kawadza
2. Truvety Moono
3. Cormy Muleya
4. Hankumba Muzandu
5. Jessy Phiri
6. Danny Hamanjanji

8. Field Team
11/11/12
8

9. Field Team Experiences (1)
The OpenBTS project proved that a
mobile service is possible using very
little hardware, and with limited costs
During the demonstration, the project
team was able to make calls and send
SMS to each other
A number of local ‘no-brand’ handsets
were not compatible
No data capability, nor roaming (at the
time)

10. Prototype Equipment

11. Project team setting up test calls
11/11/12
11

12. Successful call: 1652 calls 1651

13. Field Team Experiences (2)
Many visits involving much traveling
was needed:
– To sensitize, report to, and participate
with community members in rural areas
– For oral report to all stakeholders
Equipment upgrades necessitate
software upgrades, downloads from the
Internet took much effort and several
weeks

14. Students listening to
presentation at LITA in Chikanta

15. Field Team Experiences (3)
Regulator not used to facilitate
research, nor legal provision for
research frequencies
Much apprehension due to powerful,
international commercial interests
Many meetings needed to explain
concepts, proof of research, and the
nature of activities
Tests had to be performed on site inside
regulator offices

16. Budgeting
The OpenBTS Equipment (USD 2,600)
Test Phones
Transport and Accommodation
Administrative Costs and Miscellaneous
Not included:
– Cost logistics acquisition of equipment
– Cost Internet Connectivity

17. Challenges
Non-technical Aspects main constraints:
Equipment Availability and Payment (no
credit cards in Zambia)
Internet Bandwidth and Blocking of
Internet Services by Facility
Management (which is outside of Africa)
Acquisition of test frequencies for
OpenBTS from the regulator ZICTA
Travels to the project sites, including
the bad state of roads (the team was
involved in a road accident)

18. Vehicle 'used'

19. Future Plans

20. Acknowledgements
Macha Works for training, shelter, and
internet bandwidth
Technical Assistance, and more, from:
– Tim Patton from OpenBTS
– Fraunhofer FOKUS
– UCSB
IEEE EPICS for financial support
A big thank you to all the students who
took part in the project

21. OpenBTS, Thank You!
Jacqueline Mpala
University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Gertjan van Stam
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Africomm 2012, 12 Nov 2012
Yaounde, Cameroon