 |
| Blockchain brings Zanzibar online |
Global telecom operator WMG wants to bring many residents of the independent East African island of Zanzibar online for the first time via a blockchain-based cellular network in the coming months.
Unreliable terrestrial cable and satellite network services in most parts of Zanzibar have made it difficult for many residents to connect to the Internet.
Telecom operators use spectrum to create communication infrastructures such as free space optical communications and other radio transmitters without a license, thus lowering Internet access costs.
Spectra connects to multiple air nodes to create a mesh network to cover remote villages with the Internet.
The telecom operator said: “There are a lot of fibers on the African continent. We capture the last part of the fibers and use alternative spectra, such as b. Free-space optical communications and other radio transmitters without a license.
And since these alternative spectra do not require a license, they can save a lot of taxes and thus give users a cheaper internet.
These readiness spectra are used to make connections (the communication between an access node and a backbone) and then to create a device (a node) that people can use to detect these connections.
Flight nodes are owned by private companies and individuals connect to the Internet through their access points.
For reasons of sustainability, companies that pay a one-time fee of around $7,000 can earn revenue or rewards in the form of the operator’s WMT cryptocurrency, which will be redeemed over time.
Each antenna node provides wireless networking for up to 500-700 people and provides general lighting and other additional equipment through integrated solar floodlights.
Blockchain technology is the solution
The concept of cooperative economy reduces operating expenses in terms of maintenance, security and rental costs. It also supports a self-sufficient business model.
WMG currently caters to approximately 3,000 clients in five pilot locations. However, it will be expanded to 30 locations by January.
Existing users spend about $4 per month on internet use. The operator has a network of vendors and users can use their cash or buy the company's WMT digital currency to connect to the Internet.
WMG has a more ambitious plan to cover Zanzibar within five years. In addition to providing internet for every 1.5 million people. With competition growing between traditional network companies such as Zanlink and satellite Internet companies such as GlobalTT.
The company plans to roll out the network in the coming months in Kenya and Tanzania, where it operates.
The government is committed to ensuring unrestricted access to government services across the country in an affordable manner. And that through the appropriate use of information and communication technologies to achieve this.
The roles of WMG and IOG, the two blockchain and digital identity companies behind Cardano blockchain, are here.
IOG automates the Zanzibar system by applying blockchain technology in the registration system to provide a traceable digital identity.
It also integrates back-end management systems to automate business processes and facilitate the flow of communications within government agencies.