Post on 23-Dec-2015
ESSENTIALLY…We build cell phone towers and technologies for places that do not currently have them. Many reasons for this…
• Economics
• Policy
• Etc…
Base Transceiver Station getting smaller and cheaper
• 500k USD -> 10k USD
• 1 kW -> 70W
So on…
Suddenly in the range of individuals/entrepreneurs.
MOORE’S LAW IN ACTION
OUR WORK EXPLORES…
1. Technology
• Technological changes required to realize this vision of a distributed cellular network
• Technological changes required to bring these networks to the billions currently without cellular coverage
• Systems for supporting the customization of small scale cellular networks
OUR WORK EXPLORES…
1. Technology
2. Policy
• Policy and regulatory changes required to support these networks and allow them to interoperate and coexist
OUR WORK EXPLORES…
1. Technology
2. Policy
3. Social
• Sustainable deployment of these technologies in real world populations
Virtual Coverage [1]: We added a hardware switch to control the power amplifier.
This allows us to save power at night and further reduce power draw of the BTS.
[1] Expanding Rural Cellular Networks with Virtual Coverage NSDI ‘13
TECH – POWER SAVINGS
Village Base Station [2] – Set of scripts to enable extreme customization of network to specific communities. Includes:
• SMS
• Voice
• Naming
• Routing
• Etc…
[2] Local, Sustainable, Small-Scale Cellular Networks ICTD’13
TECH – PROGRAMMABILITY
Nomadic GSM [3]: Technique for allowing unlicensed system to utilize fallow spectrum in GSM bands for cellular operation
Core techniques:
• Phones scan
• Constant migration
• Self-handover
[3] GSM Whitespaces: An Opportunity for Rural Cellular Service DySPAN ‘14
POLICY – GSM WHITESPACES
Burning Man 2011, 2012…
We run a full telco for the BM community providing outbound connectivity on the Playa
SOCIAL - DEPLOYMENTS
Papua, Indonesia 2012
Ongoing deployment in collaboration with local school [2]. Full market economy, generating revenue for local participants and providing basic communications to an area without coverage.
[2] Local, Sustainable, Small-Scale Cellular Networks ICTD’13
SOCIAL - DEPLOYMENTS
Papua, Indonesia 2012
Also deployed virtual coverage in the same community [4].
[4] An Experiment in Reducing Cellular Base Station Power Draw With Virtual Coverage DEV 4
SOCIAL - DEPLOYMENTS
SOCIAL - SUSTAINABILITY
Growth Rate Profit
0 users/month $368.31
2 users/month $400.71
5 users/month $433.11
10 users/month $478.47