Coast firm’s ‘Pivotel’ role in Uganda

SOUTHPORT-BASED telecommunications firm Pivotel has moved to provide internet access to some of the poorest people in Africa.

The company, headed by Peter Bolger, has inherited a decade-strong partnership with Internet for Humanity, following its acquisition of Tennessee-based Global Marine Networks.

It has committed to providing $13,000 worth of hardware and 2G internet access to remote communities in Uganda.

With a population of 41 million people and only five million having internet access, the partnership aims to increase internet connectivity for those living in poor communities.

This is to help improve frontline services including healthcare and education.

Pivotel executive director Robert Sakker said while the focus in Australia is on faster communications like 4G LTE and high speed NBN, millions of people in countries like Uganda have no access to a computer.

“The Internet for Humanity partnership is GMN’s longestrunning corporate social responsibility partner, and we are proud to continue the legacy that has already helped tens of thousands of students, families, teachers, doctors, nurses and farmers to improve their knowledge and their livelihood in Uganda.”

Through its subsidiary GMN, Pivotel will initially provide 20 Redport Optimizer Premier units and ongoing services to help internet for Humanity achieve its goal of establishing 18 new Information Technology Centers across healthcare, education and agriculture in Uganda.

“The Redport Optimizer Premier units compress the transfer of data for everyday internet applications like email, web, Skype and more. The compression technology reduces data usage by up to 80 per cent, meaning significant cost savings for end users. We are also looking into expanding our impact in Uganda by providing satellite data connectivity where there is no internet access,” Mr Sakker said.