Low-cost Distributed Networks
Traditional mobile network architecture and solutions struggle to remain relevant and competitive in developing markets and rural areas. Today’s standard solutions are designed for urban and suburban areas in developed markets. These general purpose networks are entirely unsuited to the unique challenges of serving rural and remote communities. They cost too much, are too expensive to maintain, use too much energy to run and are difficult to deploy, especially in ares with little or no grid power.
No amount of stripping back of features and functionality will bridge the gap between infrastructure costs and a rural user’s ability to pay. An entirely new distributed architecture in combination with renewable energy powered nodes is the solution to the needs of developing markets. An entirely renewable-energy powered base station capable of serving a community of a thousand which can be carried to the location in a cart - this has profound implications. It is now feasible to build entire networks powered by renewable energy sources.
The ICA team has deep experience of rolling out infrastructure in areas which lack access to energy, roads and trained personnel.
Rural high-coverage site utilising high-gain antennas capable of spanning distance of up to 50 kms serving 2G/4G/5G subscribers. This site also serves as a hub to link up to 20 low-powered village base stations.
ICA’s design for a fully self contained renewable-energy powered 2G/4G village base station capable of serving 1,000 subscribers.
Digital Services Platforms
The ICA “Orchestra” App which combines Digital Identity, a GeoPin© national addressing scheme, a universal mailbox and financial services gateway is a powerful tool for digital inclusion.
The ICA digital services cloud covers basic citizens services and can be included with every mobile or broadband subscription. A Digital ID can unlock access and provide a secure gateway to a variety of online service and products provided by state agencies as well as private enterprises. A GeoPin which is a 16 character alphanumeric sequence effectively acts as a persons geographical address providing a physical resolution of 6x6 metres. While some urban and built-up areas have conventional street names and numbers, the situation changes completely just a few kilometers outside urban areas where there is no reliable addressing system.
A virtual mailbox connected to an individual digital identity and IMSI number (not to be confused with traditional email) provides a secure channel for communicating with government agencies like revenue authorities, municipalities, government registries etc. to enquire and transact services and information provided by the state.
While many parts of Africa have been leading the world in adoption of services like mobile money and transaction platforms, they have yet to offer the services provided by a traditional regulated financial institution. ICA is actively seeking digital banking licenses in several markets to be able to fully leverage new public ledger and public key technologies to offer virtual bank-in-your-pocket services which are made possible as smartphone penetration rises.
Planning, Operation & Maintenance
Efficient network architectures, robust planning and project management, and cost-effective O&M are critical to be able to deliver a low cost of production per GB or Voice Minute. Rolling out nationwide networks in remote areas with harsh terrain and lacking in roads and transport facilities poses major challenges.
Network deployment that is digitized from design to acceptance, considering the performance required for each use case as well as topology, current and future traffic demands, is no pipe dream. It’s here and now.
We have combined tools that leverage international data standards with unique data and processes to support telecom companies with unified digitized experiences during deployment, expansion, upgrades, and, maintenance of their networks.