The
University of Dodoma (UDOM) and UNICEF Tanzania has signed a collaboration
agreement on scouting and mapping dark spots for sustainable schools and
communities’ internet connectivity in Tanzania.
This initiative, according
to Dr. Jabhera Matogoro, Partner Focal Point, Department of Electronics and
Telecommunication Engineering, The University of Dodoma, aims to improve
internet connectivity in Tanzania, with an emphasis on connectivity for education
delivery.
UDOM and UNICEF Tanzania
are collaborating on the potential deployment of access using TV Digital White
Space (TVDWS) technology due to the limitations imposed by traditional
connectivity techniques such as cable coToIn order to utilize the technology
for a fully equitable approach and not to overlay it with preexisting reliable,
and stable connectivity, a coverage mapping is required. This mapping exercise
is seeking to identify dark spots in communities and schools as well as nearby
internet backbone access.
The first phase of
scouting and mapping dark spots will involve three potential locations: Kasulu
District (Kigoma Region), Nyasa District (Ruvuma Region), and Kondoa District
(Dodoma Region) which are hosting three registered community network
cooperative societies.
The present collaboration
will seek to create relevant maps for the future implementation of TVDWS for
the delivery of broadband internet access to communities and schools. In this
collaboration, UNICEF Tanzania has provided some funds to UDOM to undertake
scouting and mapping dark spots for school and community Internet connectivity
in Tanzania from July 2022.
By:
Kanto Okanta
