Facebook’s OpenCellular base stations to connect more mobile users
Facebook’s Aquila Unmanned Aircraft research project, which uses solar-powered drones to fill the internet access void in unconnected regions of the world, could be overtaken by the company’s latest development. Facebook announced today that it will apply its open source influence and expertise to a new open-source, mobile, voice and data cellular base station called OpenCellular—a cellular base station in a box. The first implementations are expected to be available this summer.Facebook’s move represents breathtaking potential. Another company, Range Networks, has proven the feasibility of the model. Now, with Facebook’s extensive resources, this feasibility could become a reality, connecting the 4 billion not-yet-internet-connected people and the 10 percent of the world’s population who lack simple cellular voice and SMS connections.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

