The companies will be making use of new approaches to network technologies (access and backhaul), operating models and telecom players involvement. This includes deployment of alternative access solutions such as OpenCellular, an open-source, disaggregated wireless access platform which Facebook has contributed to TIP. Both companies will use high-definition population density data sets combined with Telefónica’s business intelligence tools to improve network planning.

 

Smart connectivity solution deployment is based on population density data combined with satellite imagery and census data to understand population distributions. The collaboration has started with projects in Peru. This country has over eight million under- and unconnected people in rural and peri-urban areas. Findings from these activities will be used in order to export the model to other markets.

 

 

Connecting the world

 

“This collaboration with Facebook and TIP is an example of how we can bring together technological, commercial and operational innovations to reduce the digital divide in remote and inaccessible areas of Latin America”, explained David Del Val, Director of Product Innovation at Telefónica.

 

Aaron Bernstein, Director of Connectivity Ecosystem Programs at Facebook, said, “Our collaboration with Telefónica in Latin America is an important example of how we’re working to overcome barriers that prevent people from getting much-needed connectivity. Ensuring that everyone in the world has reliable and affordable internet access is key to Facebook’s core mission of building global community and bringing the world closer together.”