Microtelecom is all about optimization of telecom infrastructure for a very specific application: serving low-income, hard-to-reach communities in rural areas. As with all industries and all early movers, the company pioneering the concept has gone ahead and coined this term.

But what a wonderful idea it is. Lack of power infrastructure and availability and the cost of running telecom networks on low density markets have been touted as the impediments of growth of mobile user base in rural areas. And VNL, claims to solve both of these through its WorldGSM technology – solar power based towers, consuming less than 100 W of power (compared to the current systems which take 3000 W to run).

An entire WorldGSM base station packs into two carts and can be transported over rough terrain in something as simple as a bullock cart. It is self-deploying and requires near-zero maintenance. Also, it can be assembled and activated by non-engineers.

Quippo telecom, which manages about 18K towers in India is doing trails of WorldGSM in rural areas in India.

Can’t wait to see a revolution ushering in rural areas in the country post deployment of this technology