Rwandan firms HUI and Annos have signed agreements with off-grid energy equipment vendor Vanu.
Under the agreements, Vanu will work locally with locally deployment partners at HUI and Annos to install and maintain hundreds of solar-powered network base stations for the firms in strategically-located sites across Rwanda, enabling cellular connectivity in previously unconnected areas.
Vanu’s systems are specifically designed to be deployed and operated jointly with local partners in remote locations, using solar power to avoid the high costs and inconvenience of diesel-powered generators. These systems are easy and low cost to install, commission and maintain, and include a suite of services that can provide a turnkey solution from commercial feasibility and network design through operations, maintenance and support.
“Vanu’s technology is cost-effective, rugged, easily deployed and maintained and, most importantly, capable of delivering wireless coverage to the many uncovered communities of Rwanda,” said Canisius Bandora, the CEO of Annos Group.
The Vanu Partner Program enables local technology providers to access new business opportunities and revenue streams generated by the successful deployment of innovative connectivity solutions across previously uncovered off-grid areas. By partnering with local companies, such as HUI and Annos, Vanu is able to efficiently duplicate its entire deployment process across hundreds of planned sites, using trained local technicians.
Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu, said: “Connectivity is a vital economic, educational and cultural engine for off-grid communities, which remain an untapped market for operators and partners. Vanu has developed both the technology and deployment model to cover these communities with a cost-effective and easily replicable process.”
