
Pioneering Project Will Deliver Mobile Internet Connectivity to Unconnected Communities in Ghana
Kigali: The GSMA today announced a new partnership with Vodafone Ghana and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to support the deployment of innovative mobile internet connectivity solutions for unconnected rural communities. As part of the Connected Society Innovation Fund for Rural Connectivity, the project will run for eighteen months from July 2019 to late 2020. The GSMA-led project will fund mobile network equipment vendors to deploy their innovative solutions to support mobile operator efforts in Ghana. Vodafone Ghana will be testing and deploying these innovations on their networks whilst GIFEC will provide land for site coverage. The fund will also enable tax and duty exemptions of up to thirty per cent for imported equipment to encourage reinvestment and enhance coverage extensions.
This collaboration is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind project that aims to connect unconnected communities in rural locations and deliver a range of essential digital services, commented Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. It could not have been achieved without the support of both Vodafone Ghana and GIFEC, particularly on providing tax exemptions and the provision of land for grantees, and will provide a foundation for innovative African companies to support operator efforts to connect the unconnected.
In Ghana, two vendors and their partners were selected and are expected to be awarded up to £330,000 each for implementing turnkey solutions to suit challenging rural environments with low population density, difficult terrain or limited infrastructure. Each project was judged on its ability to provide solutions that are innovative, scalable and commercially sustainable. Once the sites are fully commissioned they will be integrated into Vodafone's network as the project's primary partner.
Commenting on the partnership, Gayheart Mensah, External Affairs Director at Vodafone Ghana said: Connectivity for all remains an integral part of the way we operate as a business. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, we are excited to be partnering the GSMA and GIFEC to roll out this initiative. It is certainly an area of industry leadership that we are extremely proud of. This is what we mean by enabling an exciting future for all our stakeholders.
The project focuses on specific rural areas that currently lack connectivity but have economic potential. The selection was conducted with analysis from the GSMA using its coverage mapping tool. Fund grantees will work in consortiums to deliver their solutions and provide mobile internet coverage and all mobile services from Vodafone Ghana. At the end of the project, the mobile operators will take over the maintenance and operation of the sites. The winners of the Innovation Fund will be announced this summer.
Despite the rapid growth in mobile communication, commercially viable business models are still lacking in many remote, low income and rural communities. The challenge in reaching the unconnected in our part of the world rests crucially on affordability, literacy, relevant service as well as appropriate technology. It is observed that universal connectivity requires smart public interventions as market forces are not sufficient. As we explore this partnership to deliver connectivity for communities in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana, the last mile of connecting the unconnected will be achieved to create avenues for digital inclusiveness, said Abraham Kofi Asante, CEO, GIFEC.
Mobile 360 - Africa
The GSMA is hosting Mobile 360 - Africa this week in Rwanda. CEOs and senior executives from leading companies in the mobile industry and throughout the digital ecosystem will address the most pressing trends and issues in mobile. The event will delve into the long-term impact of digital across communities and industries and ask industry-defining questions over the three days. The final day will host the bi-annual GSMA Mobile Money Leadership Forum, where industry will discuss current trends and future innovations in mobile money. The full conference agenda is available at www.mobile360series.com/africa/#agenda.
-ENDS-
About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with nearly 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.
For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.
Media Contacts:
David Ntwampe Maila
+ 27 72 015 4702
dmaila@webershandwick.com
GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com
Like what you read? Share.
Europe Stories
10/12/2019
December 2019
See our latest video below, showcasing our Transmission Site Services...
10/12/2019
CHRISTMAS ON ITV 2019
TUNE INTO ITV THIS FESTIVE SEASON
ITV has a stocking full of Christmas and New Year treats for viewers this year, including more drama o...
10/12/2019
AILEN LUJO JOINS VIZ MEDIA AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING MARKETING
Industry Veteran Will Develop And Implement Multi-Channel Strategies To Support VIZ Media's...
10/12/2019
CHANTELLE STURT TO JOIN VIZ MEDIA AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY, PUBLIC RELATIONS - A...
10/12/2019
CODA Audio recently gave a beta release to its brand new state-of-the-art 3D prediction software for CODA systems in the installed and live event arenas. The CO...
10/12/2019
EBU welcomes new European Commission...
10/12/2019
Dutch Radio pulls out all the stops for inauguration of rebuilt organ...
09/12/2019
Former Miss Universe Ireland, Grainne Gallanagh, is the fifth star confirmed to ...
09/12/2019
Tonight on The Late Late Show Ryan Tubridy unveiled three new Dancing with the S...
09/12/2019
After much speculation this week it was officially confirmed live on the Ray D'Arcy Show that television presenter Brian Dowling is set to join the line up ...
09/12/2019
On Monday, 9 December, Today with Maura and D ith will broadcast their 1000th s...
09/12/2019
If you're the lucky owner of an Xperia 1 or an Xperia 5, you may have noticed that Google's Android 10 is now available for your device.
The upgrade is...
09/12/2019
For consumers, TVkey Cloud enables instant activation out-of-the box and direct ...
09/12/2019
Kaplamin Ambalaj expands corrugated print production with second Onset X investm...
09/12/2019
By Simen K. Frostad
Every year, the broadcast industry descends en masse on the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam. Once again, IBC provided invaluable insight...
09/12/2019
Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, has today confirmed it will distribute the highly-anticipated, dramatic mini-series, Flight MH370...
09/12/2019
Aodyo wind controller now available more widely internationally The innovative Aodyo Sylphyo wind controller is now more readily available in the UK and North...
09/12/2019
Active RM7 kit comes from Latvia with love
The Bumblebee RM7 kit.
Latvian DIY mic manufacturers Bumblebee Pro, known for their ribbon mic kits, DI boxes an...
09/12/2019
New figures from Allied Market Research
Jenny Priestley 4 hours ago
New figures from Allied Market Research
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class...
09/12/2019
Netflix leads nominations lists in both film and TV categories
Jenny Priestley 37 mins ago
Netflix leads nominations lists in both film and TV categories...
09/12/2019
Previously managing director for NEP Norway
Jenny Priestley 5 hours ago
Previously managing director for NEP Norway
target=_blank title=Share on Linked...
09/12/2019
Ruling expected after 10th January
Dan Meier 4 hours ago
Ruling expected after 10th January
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>...
09/12/2019
UK Screen Alliance criticises Boris Johnsons small amount of additional information
Dan Meier 3 hours ago
UK Screen Alliance criticises Boris Johnson'...
09/12/2019
NEP Announces the Appointment of Lise Heidal as SVP, Global Media Solutions to L...
09/12/2019
Astera AX1s Assist Muse Simulation Theory posted: 09/12/2019
Twenty-four Astera AX1 LED battery powered wireless pixel tubes' played their part onsta...
09/12/2019
Sony and Verizon Demonstrate How 5G Stands to Transform Live Sports Production posted: 09/12/2019
Samera System in Action at NRG Stadium
Sony Imaging Produ...
09/12/2019
CP Communications Leverages Complete IP and Bonded Cellular Networking Architect...
09/12/2019
Livestreaming at Ronald McDonald Houses' Charity Gala posted: 09/12/2019
Throughout the world, Ronald McDonald Houses (RMH) can be found within or clo...
09/12/2019
OH BOY It's Robe for Hecht posted: 09/12/2019
Swiss pop-rock band Hecht - well-known for their energized live shows, slick dance moves, foot-tapping t...
09/12/2019
Creative music-makers conference and workshops to hold first events outside the USA Artist/producer Jay-J presenting a seminar to a packed room at Music Expo ...
09/12/2019
Juan Luis Guerra Hopes it Rains Robe! posted: 06/12/2019
Juan Luis Guerra recently kicked off his 2019 Literal Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 Tour Grandes xitos ...
09/12/2019
Cingularity selects PHABRIX Sx for power and portability on sports broadcasts posted: 09/12/2019
Combination of functionality, compact size and longevity ma...
09/12/2019
Mitchell Schellenger and Artiste Monet Shine on Logic tour posted: 09/12/2019
American rapper Logic toured 26 cities across North America this fall on hi...
08/12/2019
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced the resolution of the previously disclosed investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and...
07/12/2019
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 7 December preview (video)
Jacqueline Jossa, Roman Kemp, Kate Garraway and Andy Whyment undertake tonights Bushtu...
07/12/2019
FUJINON Techno Stabi TS-X 1440 - high-end binoculars redefined A strong partner for highest demands with 14x magnification and the worlds most powerful image st...
07/12/2019
ITV launches brand new promo for Love Island
[Friday 6 December] Tonight, ITV will premiere the brand new advertising promo for Love Island.
The promo for th...
07/12/2019
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 6 December preview (video)
Roman Kemp and Andy Whyment undertake tonights Bushtucker Trial - Pump of Peril
Im A Ce...
07/12/2019
Posted on 06 Dec 2019
On Friday 22 November, our Creative Director, Simon Couchman, attended the UCLan cJAM: Media event at Lancaster Uni.
Hosted by the Facul...
07/12/2019
Change in Magyar Telekom's top management
Budapest, December 6, 2019 08:00
Magyar Telekom announces that Chief Financial Officer J nos Szab will leave ...
07/12/2019
Magyar Telekom changes its management structure
Budapest, December 6, 2019 08:00
Magyar Telekom's Board of Directors decided to simplify its governance ...
07/12/2019
Tokyo, December 6, 2019 --- Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, Hitachi ) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide Centro Nazionale di Adroterapia...
06/12/2019
Broadcast Film & Video: 2019 - The Year of Change!
The advent of IP has driven significant change. No longer are people combing the marketplace for bespoke...
06/12/2019
Nokia Bell Labs Prize awarded to new processor technology pioneered by student a...
06/12/2019
NEP Announces the Appointment of Lise Heidal as SVP, Global Media Solutions to L...
06/12/2019
Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., Sony Mobile Communications Inc. and Verizon joined forces with NBC Sports to test how 5G can change the way live sports ...
06/12/2019
December 2019
We would like to thank all our customers for their valued business in 2019 - this has been one of our busiest years!
Our thanks also go to all ...
06/12/2019
All Things Being Equal highlights role of PSM in promoting gender equality...
06/12/2019
The worldwide content distribution industry - from traditional cable, telco and satellite TV providers to the growing number of direct-to-consumer (DTC) players...
06/12/2019
Follows Alchimies recent acquisition of TVPlayer
Jenny Priestley 4 hours ago
Follows Alchimie's recent acquisition of TVPlayer
target=_blank title=...