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We have developed an affordable and sustainable way of connecting the unconnected
The core of the BLUETOWN solution is a base station powered 100% by solar energy. The base station establishes a Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of up to one kilometer in diameter. The hotspot is connected to the internet by existing infrastructure such as microwave link and fiber,
or by satellite, balloons or drones, bringing connectivity to even the most secluded areas of the world. And because the solution is based on Wi-Fi, people can browse the web, stay in touch, or participate in educational programs using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The BLUETOWN base station
Offers more than Wi-Fi
The BLUETOWN base station is designed to operate under harsh environmental conditions. It delivers a high quality Wi-Fi signal with a range of up to one kilometer in diameter and minimal maintenance. The entire system is 100% solar-powered and comes with rechargeable batteries to ensure 24/7 performance. Users can charge their mobile devices at a specially designed charging station. And extra features such as a streetlight and webcam can easily be added.
The core of the BLUETOWN solution is a base station operated 100% by solar energy. The base station establishes a Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of up to one kilometer. The hotspot is connected to the Internet by existing infrastructure or by satellite, bringing
connectivity to even the most secluded areas of the world. And since the solution is based on Wi-Fi, people can browse the Web, stay in touch, or participate in educational programs using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The BLUETOWN base station
Offers more than Wi-Fi
The BLUETOWN base station is designed to operate under harsh environmental conditions. It delivers a high quality Wi-Fi signal with a range of up to one kilometer in diameter and minimal maintenance. The entire system is 100% solar-powered and comes with rechargeable batteries to ensure 24/7 performance. Users can charge their mobile devices at a specially designed charging station. And extra features such as a streetlight and webcam can easily be added.
Up and running within minutes
The base station is delivered as a turnkey installation. It connects to the Internet by existing infrastructure via fiber or microwave link, satellites, drones, or balloons. Once the system is installed, users are up and running within minutes, thanks to the BLUETOWN app.
One internet connection feeds multiple base stations
Multiple base stations can be set up in a mesh of access points. The masts connect via a microwave link designed to operate at a distance of up to 20 kilometers. This makes it easy to cover a larger area or connect several villages starting from the same Internet connection.
The BLUETOWN base station offers more than Wi-Fi
The local cloud
keeps you connected
To provide local users the ability to access relevant content and programs without using a “paid” internet connection, BLUETOWN offers a local cloud at the base station, enabling private and public stakeholders to distribute relevant information easily, free of charge. The local cloud can provide fast and easy access to eLearning, eHealth, and eGovernance. Farmers can watch training videos to help them make the most of their lands and to sell their crops at a fair price. Local doctors will get access to lifesaving information and much more. The local cloud will also keep users connected to local content, even if the internet connection is interrupted.
Local cloud benefits
Education
eLearning, Entertainment, Social Media
Health
eHealth, Document Sharing, Training Videos, Knowledge Sharing
Governance
eGovernance, Online Service, Financial Services
FAQ
Questions and answers
How far is the coverage?
How does the base station connect to the backhaul?
How do you process billing?
How long can the system run without solar?
How long can the system run without grid power?
How long is the charge time?
What do you charge users for?
Is the service prepaid?
How do you charge the subscriber, and how exactly is the money transferred?
Regarding cellular operator integration, can you integrate directly to the operator switch and billing system?
Can you make changes in the design or in the BOM according to customer?
How far is the coverage?
- The coverage of the base station in each location is up to 1km under good conditions.
- Multiple base stations can be connected using Wi-Fi microwave links which allows for the creation of a village mesh network. Inter-village distance of up to 20 kilometers is possible. This makes it easy to cover a larger area or connect several villages starting from the same internet connection.
How does the base station connect to the backhaul?
The base station connects either via satellite, fiber, microwave link or other available connections.
How do you process billing?
- The billing is processed by a centrally located billing server where the individual user accounts are stored.
- All accounts are based on a prepaid scheme where the user can monitor their usage and remaining credits.
How long can the system run without solar?
- The entire system is 100% solar-powered and comes with rechargeable batteries for 24/7 performance.
- The guarantied uptime depends on the location of the system (hours of daily sunshine) and the installed battery capacity. Each system is configured to customer requirements.
How long can the system run without grid power?
This depends on the actual battery configuration. Typically the system is configured to run 30 hours without grid connectivity.
How long is the charge time?
Typically around 4 hours to achieve full charge on the batteries.
What do you charge users for?
We charge for Data at volume (megabytes) used (upload + download). Voice with PSTN termination is per minute and depends on the specific call termination rate.
Is the service prepaid?
Yes, we only sell prepaid data packages.
How do you charge the subscriber, and how exactly is the money transferred?
- Via mobile money, handled by the micro-operator. mPesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money in Tanzania. Electronic payment.
- In certain cases, the micro-operator also receives cash.
Regarding cellular operator integration, can you integrate directly to the operator switch and billing system?
Yes, however each system has differences and no universal solution exists. Prior to integration BLUETOWN requires documentation for the system in which the solution will be integrated.
Can you make changes in the design or in the BOM according to customer?
Yes, BLUETOWN has a basic system which can be reconfigured to suit the requirements of the customer.
Downloads
Feel free to download:
BLUETOWN logo - incl. CMYK and RGB
Press photo - Tanzania
Product material