GRASS-ROUTER BURSARIES

It is clear that the development of open public local access networks is taking place in developing countries as strongly as it is in developed markets.  This is due to the remarkable and growing community of ‘grass-routers’ – individuals, often of a younger generation, that have immense knowledge, determination, energy and commitment to bring the benefits of the digital technologies of abundance to their own community and country.  They understand the new ‘open access’ paradigm and in many cases, will be responsible for impacting local public policy in their country in the years ahead – not by a process of lobbying – but by a process of practical demonstration.

These ‘grass-routers’ are hungry to share their knowledge with others and to gain from networking experience and also to learn from OPLAN ‘experts’.  Often, all they lack is the financial means to travel to where this knowledge and networking is taking place.

The OPLAN Foundation seeks to help those ‘grass-routers’ who lack these resources by providing bursaries with your donation.

Let us know of any event or institute that you think the OPLAN Foundation should  consider promoting and supporting by helping individuals who lack the financial resources to attend by offering them Bursaries. Send an email to info@oplan.org

"Wireless Networking in the Developing World" by the Limehouse Book Sprint Team

In January 2006 the Limehouse Book Sprint Team launched the first edition of: "Wireless Networking in the Developing World - a practical guide to planning and building low-cost telecommunications infrastructure". The book was created by a multinational team of experts. Each, in their own field, is actively pushing the reach of the ever-expanding internet further still. The book can be downloaded free at http://wndw.org.

The massive popularity of wireless networking for creating an OPLAN has caused equipment costs to plummet while capabilities increase. By applying this technology in areas that are badly in need of critical communications infrastructure, more people can be brought online than ever before, in less time, for very little cost.

Rob Flickenger, the lead author, editor, and illustrator of the book, says:
"We hope to not only convince you that this is possible, but also show how we have made such networks perform. Most importantly, we want to give you the information and tools you need to start a network project in your local community."

Over a period of a few months, he and the volunteer core team of seven have produced this comprehensive book.  It documents their efforts to build wireless networks in the developing world.  It gives a detailed overview and full information about the physical, technical and social aspects of building wireless based communication infrastructures.  It is available in different languages as well as in a print on demand version. It will be continuously updated.

However, to secure the project’s growing success it needs continuous financial support which the OPLAN Foundation is committed to help raise. Will you please help?