Spectra Wireless in partnership with Microsoft 4Afrika have unveiled launched Africa’s first commercial service network utilising TV white spaces in Ghana.
This technology will allow students in the country to buy affordable, high speed internet bundles and devices. The commercial service builds on the success of the initial TV white spaces pilot launched in May 2014.
Spectra Wireless is the first company in Africa to offer a consumer broadband Internet access service leveraging TV white space technology.
Fernando de Sousa, General Manager Africa Initiatives at Microsoft said: “High speed broadband offers students and teachers a way to access learning resources from all over the world, equalizing the divide between developed and developing nations. While the initial pilot project in Ghana offered wireless broadband to universities, this new commercial service allows students to have their own internet bundles, determine their own usage and purchase an internet-enabled device for anytime, anywhere access and enhanced productivity.”
As part of the commercial pilot service, university students will be able to:- Purchase high speed internet bundles; Use relevant apps, including Microsoft Office 365 and The Microsoft Virtual Academy; Apply for zero-interest loans in partnership with UT Bank to purchase select, internet-enabled Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell and HP devices
Sam Darko, Country Leader of Spectra Wireless said: “Everyone wants and needs access to the Internet, but there are very few, if any, reliable, unlimited and affordable solutions for the masses. Our complete djungleEd service for the tertiary education sector provides just that, and together with the application bundles and affordable devices we offer a complete technology upgrade to participating institutions.”
The cheapest data package starts at just two Ghana cedi per day and provides 24 hours of access. For more information students can visit http://www.djungle.com.
According to ITU’s ICT Facts, Africa led in Mobile-broadband growth with penetration in the continent reaching close to 20 percent in 2014, up from 2 percent in 2010.
