Mobile operator Orange Niger has completed the first phase of its mobile connectivity deployments in remote regions of Niger to communities previously unserved by any form of telecommunications services.

The network rollout, which uses technology supplied by Altobridge, is entirely driven by sustainable energy sources. The operator said that the deployment has already demonstrated the significant benefits of rural connectivity through the delivery of mobile health services, improved mechanisms for money transfer and significantly higher levels of trade within the newly connected communities.

So far, over 50 off-grid village communities have been connected across Niger, allowing an average of 1,200 people in each village to benefit from mobile telecoms services for the first time. In such remote areas, network connection was previously limited due to the impracticality of terrestrial backhaul, the cost of fuel transportation and the high costs of deploying traditional tower structures.

Connectivity to the Orange network in each village is provided via solar-powered radio base stations, each with advanced satellite backhaul optimisation technology built-in.

“What Orange Niger has achieved shows just what can be accomplished by combining advanced communications technology with green-energy to deliver affordable mobile connectivity to some of the world’s most remote communities,” said Marc Ricau, country director for Orange’s Africa and Middle East division.

“Mobile communications brings services and growth to these communities who previously had no other option but to travel huge distances to simply make a phone call. Using renewable, low-cost energy sources to address this issue is a key part of our corporate environmental policy”.