Range Networks 2013

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Up and running in a day.Shaddi Hasan, Researcher, UC Berkeley - TIER

Research Group

Problem

In this Papuan community, electricity is scarce. The

source for power is a small hydro generator (5kVA),

which is turned o at night so that the reservoir can

refill. Because the community is small and the nearest

town with cellular service is an unreliable 4-hour drive

away, the population cannot be served profitably with

conventional cellular network approaches.

CASE STUDY Papua, IndonesiaThis case study highlights our partnership with

the University of California at Berkeley to

deliver cellular service to a community in rural

Papua, Indonesia. The village had no

communications and contacted Technology

and Infrastructure for Emerging Regions (TIER)

research group at UC Berkeley to inquire about

setting up a low-cost cellular network.

Leveraging the OpenBTS software, the TIER

team established a network covering two

villages and serving over 140 people. After two

months of operation, the network is profitable

and helps to fund a local school.

Papua, Indonesia. Papua refers to the western half of New Guinea.

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Solution

Led by Researcher Kurtis Heimerl, the TIER team leveraged Range Networks open source software and OEM kit to

develop modified software and hardware that met the specific needs of the Papuan community. Many factors

contributed to creating a solution that was economically viable. With respect to capital expense, the Range

Networks system operates as a network in a box replacing the need for traditional core network infrastructure

(VLR/MSC and HLR) and driving down capital costs.

With respect to operating expenses, several factors drove down costs. The base station was powered by the only

existing source of electricity, a micro-hydro generator. To further reduce the equipments already low power

consumption, the TIER team developed power controls that enabled the system to be put on standby at night.

Control switches were installed around the village so that after-hours, the system could be turned on when

necessary. Range Networks system handles local calls and SMS through local switching, which reduces the need for

VSAT backhaul. The system was operated by locals thereby eliminating costly specialized resources that would be

typical in a traditional field deployment team.

Once the system launched, within weeks, over a hundred subscribers connected to the network and the service was

profitable for local resellers and the VoIP operator.

Economics

A break-even ARPU around $2.50 enables a healthy

profitable ecosystem of local entrepreneurs,

operators and even helps fund a local school. After 10

weeks the network operated at an ARPU of $5.30. In

addition to funding the school, the network supports

an economy of primary and secondary resellers.

Services

Local Calls (OpenBTS voice)

Global SMS (OpenBTS SMS and VSAT connection

permits global SMS)

Subscribers

Technology

Customized Range Networks 5150 Base Station

900MHz 10W System

2 x ARFCN

Power Consumption: