Introduction
Imagine a small village nestled in the countryside, far from the reach of traditional telecom infrastructure. The locals, though close-knit and resourceful, face daily challenges due to limited internet and phone access. Education, business, and healthcare suffer as a result. Now, envision a solution where, with just a modest investment, this community can have robust, reliable 5G connectivity—providing seamless internet, phone calls, and text services, all powered by the sun. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality, thanks to innovative use of open-source srsRAN software and LimeSDR hardware on license-free ISM bands.
Unlike satellite LTE networks, such as Starlink’s direct-to-phone system, this approach offers the benefits of community control and significantly lower costs. By taking charge of their own network, communities can tailor the infrastructure to their specific needs and ensure that the financial benefits stay local.
Transforming Connectivity with Open-Source Technology
In this blog post, we’ll explore how cutting-edge, open-source technology can transform remote and underserved areas by creating off-grid community hotspots. For around £1400 per hotspot, including batteries and solar panels, these setups can extend coverage across wide areas, far surpassing traditional WiFi range. Leveraging microwave links to central fiber or satellite internet connections costing about £50 per month, these hotspots can offer affordable and reliable internet and VoIP services to entire communities that work on normal phones and 5G devices.
Community Cooperative Networks: Local Ownership and Benefits
The true power of this approach lies in community cooperatives. By establishing a cooperative network, communities can collectively create and manage a larger mobile phone infrastructure. This decentralized model allows local businesses, such as pubs and small enterprises, to host hotspots and share in the profits. Each hotspot, independently managed by community members, contributes to a wider, more resilient network that benefits everyone.
These cooperatives not only reduce monthly costs for individuals and ensure that no foreign entites maintain control over our data but also ensure that the benefits of connectivity are equitably distributed. Local businesses gain additional revenue streams by hosting and maintaining network equipment, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the community’s digital future. This approach leverages local knowledge and resources, creating a network that is both sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of the community.
By placing the infrastructure in the hands of those who use it, this model enhances social cohesion, improves educational access, and boosts local economies. It transforms connectivity from a distant service into a community-driven asset, empowering residents to take charge of their digital lives.
Leveraging Cryptocurrency for Sustainable Network Growth
Looking towards the future, an exciting development for these community networks is the potential integration of a cryptocurrency to facilitate network provisioning and profit generation. Similar to the Helium network, which incentivizes individuals to provide network coverage through cryptocurrency rewards, a bespoke cryptocurrency could be developed specifically for these community-driven 5G networks.
Community members and local businesses that host hotspots could earn cryptocurrency tokens as a reward for verifiably providing connectivity. These tokens can then be traded or used within the community, creating a local economy centered around connectivity. This system not only incentivizes the expansion of the network but also ensures that profits stay within the community, further boosting local economies compared to helium though access to a vast amount more potential users.
The necessary devices would include small 5G cell base station deveices compatible with the srsRAN software and LimeSDR hardware, and an antenna. These devices would run the cryptocurrency software to securely handle transactions and rewards based on provision of the network and the number of people who connect, ensuring fair compensation and seamless integration into the existing network infrastructure though the blockchain.
By embracing this innovative approach, communities can leverage this powerful technology to create a self-sustaining, profitable network. This not only enhances connectivity but also provides financial benefits to those who contribute to the network, reinforcing the community cooperative feel and driving further development and adoption through fair compensation based on use.
Conclusion
The combination of open-source technology, community cooperatives, and cryptocurrency represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing connectivity challenges in remote and underserved areas. By creating off-grid 5G hotspots, communities can take control of their digital futures, fostering social cohesion, improving access to education and healthcare, and boosting local economies. Join us as we delve into the practicalities, benefits, and future prospects of deploying license-free 5G to bring the world closer, one community at a time.