Nokia Siemens Networks to Donate Rural GSM Phones to Villages

­The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Nokia Siemens Networks have signed an agreement aimed at bringing affordable connectivity to the world's rural and remote areas. As a first step, they are connecting villages in island countries of the Pacific region.

The partnership forms part of the ITU's Connecting Villages initiative to connect the world's rural and remote areas. Nokia Siemens Networks is providing its Village Connection platform and expertise at no charge, and an initial shipment of thirty Village Connection platforms are ready to be deployed at trial sites.

The Village Connection platform consists of specially built, compact GSM access points that a local community can use to provide individuals or families with a mobile connection for as little as US$2 per month.

"We share a common understanding of the importance - and challenges - of connecting the next billion people to each other and to the world of information," said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer, Nokia Siemens Networks. "Our Village Connection is aimed specifically at meeting that challenge: a low-cost, energy-efficient platform that can help spur socio-economic development in previously unconnected areas."

In addition to rural connectivity, Village Connection introduces a novel business model. Village access points can be owned and managed by a local entrepreneur providing opportunities for rural employment. This local point of presence can subsequently be used to promote basic services such as healthcare, and to market microfinance and agricultural services, creating a cascade of rural economic activity.

The ITU will lead the project, working with the governments of participating countries to ensure a supportive policy, regulatory environment and administrative support, in addition to seeking financial support from heads of state and other potential donors or partners. This ITU-Nokia Siemens Networks project is part of a broader ITU initiative, Connecting Villages, which is open to various partners from industry among others.

Posted to the site on 6th October 2009