A cooperative pilot project for internet in Africa joining Systemics Network International, SpecterCAT and the Belgian Commune of Mont-Saint-Guibert

TRIPLE is a local wireless mesh network concept using suitable satellite capacity for backhaul in populated areas lacking reliable cable internet access. The TRIPLE system as depicted above used geostationary satellite capacity. The Belgian town of Mont-Saint-Guibert, 30 km from Brussels, hosted TRIPLE's demonstration. Security, Intelligent Traffic System and other internet-based applications that TRIPLE could support were exhibited at a public event in the town.

TRIPLE's demonstration was an example of both public-private and local-level cooperation between Europe and Africa for development. Consultation took place during the project with persons already active in Mont-Saint-Guilbert's cooperation with a twin community in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as with the cabinet of the EU Commissioner for Development.

The demonstration organizers, Systemics Network International and SpecterCAT, record their thanks to the Mayor and Commune of Mont-Saint-Guibert for its cooperation and to the other organizations which participated in making the demonstration and public exhibitation around it a success, notably Eutelsat, Vitrociset Spa, Group4 Securicor, Icoms Detections, the Catholic University of Louvain's IT engineering department, and the investment group ISSAL.

The demonstration and exhibition evidenced wide interest in TRIPLE's concept. Yet it also gave insight into radio planning technical issues imposed by challenging topography as well as into other risks that could affect sustainable realization of service benefits. TRIPLE's move to full operational deployment was accordingly placed on hold.

Through the TRIPLE project leader, Systemics Network International, ongoing consideration continues to be given to satellite-reliant solutions for optimally combining cost-effectiveness and practicability in deployment and local operations. Systemics Network International has extended such consideration to non-geostationary satellite systems and tested another satellite-to-wifi solution, this time for rapid deployment under conditions of restricted connectivity in another African nation.

TRIPLE's aim – of Telecommunication by Radio for Internet Provision Locally Everywhere to facilitate radical improvement to connectivity in Africa, Asia and other regions confronting the digital divide – thus remains very much alive.

Contact info (a) systemicsnet.com if your organization is interested in contributing to the achievement of this aim.