BLOCK II
CURRENTLY EXISTING POSSIBLE INTERNET-CONNECTION Type of onnection
Equipment
Service
Satellite
Description: Dish antenna, ODU, IDU and modem Cost: High
Availability: Very High Cost: Low
Cable
Description: Modem Cost: Low
Availability: Very low, limited to urban areas Cost: Low
Cellular
Description: Receiver and Modem Cost: Low
Availability: Average, depending on coverage by telecommunications companies Cost: Average
This chart is based on EURO-SOLAR’s field study for the various Latin American countries included in the Project These evaluations may change, depending on the region being analysed or on the countries in which the Programme is to be applied.
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Should the previous option also prove nonviable, diligence will be required prior to issuing the call for tenders to ensure that the technical purchasing specifications guarantee equipment/ service compatibility. Analysing the suitability of installing a Wimax network will only be possible if the beneficiary communities are in close proximity. This means sharing the Internet connection received in one community with several nearby communities, provided that there are no obstacles between them. This requires a small communications facility being installed, consisting of emitters and receivers. This configuration is less expensive than providing all the communities with independent satellite connections, as the high cost of the Internet service is shared by several communities. However, it is important that the technical viability is analysed, and that from the onset, the issue of agreements between the
communities is dealt with, to ensure the shared payment of the service. If the installation of a Wimax network is decided upon, the geographical criterion and the viability of reaching agreements between communities must be meticulously considered and analysed during the selection phase. It also bears stressing that one institution will have to assume the burden of ownership, management and maintenance of the Wimax network infrastructure.
Outputs of Activity 3.2.: Output 3.2.1.: Study of Internet connection alternatives in beneficiary areas.
The study of alternatives for the Internet connection must be performed by experts in the field (Specialised Technological Support).
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