Today Facebook announced the launch of an OpenCellular access platform to assist in the deployment of networks where coverage is scarce.
Facebook says it designed the open source and cost-effective, software-defined wireless access platform to improve connectivity in remote areas of the world. The platform is designed to improve connectivity since it can be deployed to support a range of communication options, from a network in a box to an access point supporting everything from 2G to LTE
Facebook reckons that one of the reasons the expansion of cellular networks has stalled is that the ecosystem is constrained. Traditional cellular infrastructure can be very expensive, making it difficult for operators to deploy it everywhere and for smaller organisations or individuals to solve hyperlocal connectivity challenges. It’s often unaffordable for them to attempt to extend network access in both rural and developed communities.
In many cellular network deployments, the cost of the civil and supporting infrastructure (land, tower, security, power, and backhaul) is often much greater than the cost of the cellular access point itself.
Components of the system (from left to right): strap, mounting bracket, enclosure, RF board, GBC board.
So one of Facebook’s goals was to make architectural and design improvements that would result in lower costs associated with the civil and supporting infrastructure.
Facebook is open-sourcing the hardware and software designs for this technology, and it expect costs to decrease for operators and to make it accessible to new participants.
The initial version of OpenCellular’s software platform will be available in the summer.
