Wi-Fi for the Third World

Read an article in Forbes about a venture called WiLDNet that is providing low-cost, long-distance wireless internet access to the Third World. The initiative is being run by the Technology and Infrastructure for Emerging Regions (TIER) group at UC Berkeley headed by Eric Brewer (founder of Inktomi). It can transmit up to 60 miles using just 8 watts of electricity (a solar panel can run it) at cable modem speeds and costs only $400. One hospital is using it to deliver telemedicine in India. Very cool use of technology.

Comments

Andrew said…

I think Wildnet combined with Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones is going to seriously change things in the developing world. I'm very excited about the possibilities.

May 10, 2007 at 3:42 PM

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