The motivation behind ideating the project is twofold – firstly to democratize the availability of connectivity and enable internet accessibility as means to information in difficult areas of the country, secondly to address the issue of lack of content product and services originating from rural areas which affects the economy from percolating to the bottom of the pyramid.
The progrmme aims at achieving the following broad based objectives:
- Training the trainers for technological know-how of wireless networking such as communication systems, basic networking and other hardware and software related issues;
- Establishment of the wireless network centre and expansion of the network in Guna district;
- Setting up an open forum to discuss best practices and lessons learnt and to educate people on issues stemming from both a technical and policy perspective;
- Provision of connectivity to citizens, institutions, organisations, offices, Panchayats, shops, individuals, entrepreneurs and so on;
- Conduct all levels of training, such as training of trainers, network engineers, community users and awareness about the network, access, media and rights;
Through the ‘Wireless is Unlicenced Band’ programme, DEF provided training to local communities to operate wireless technology and established wireless network centre at Barbatpura, located in the outskirt of Guna district to connect rural communities to the internet. With three access points, the centre is providing internet connectivity to more than 60 customers. These nodes are presently providing internet connectivity at institutions, schools, micro-enterprises, cyber cafés, and individuals. The aggregate user base of the network is estimated to be about 10,000 individuals.