Kenyan start-up BRCK has secured $3 million in funding for an invention that could change internet connectivity across Africa.
Their product, called "the BRCK", is a rugged modem designed for harsh environments with limited connection and power.
What makes it noteworthy is that it can hop between different types of connections such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi and 3G or 4G.
It also comes with eight hours of battery, crucial during Africa's frequent power blackouts.
BRCK
CEO Erik Hersman says the device has the potential to help millions
facing the daily frustrations of power cuts and patchy internet.
"Most
of the organizations working to increase access to the internet in
Africa are dealing with it at the infrastructure level, with satellites
or undersea cable, with mobile phone towers -- and even balloons and
drones," Hersman said.
He added: "BRCK deals with the last meter of internet connectivity in the bus stops and kiosks, homes and schools of Africa."
The small device taps into a wider scramble to connect Africa, with initiatives from tech giants like Google's project loon and Facebook's free basics
both aiming to boost internet access for millions. Currently, Free
Basics only allows subscribers to access a handful of websites for free.
According to Hersman, the BRCK will offer people an alternative, and less limited, source of connection.
"This is a direct answer to the 'walled-garden' internet access that Facebook is providing," he said.
BRCK
is proving that African-led solutions can lead the way for tech
innovation not just locally, but globally too -- and it seems investors
agree.
Since 2013, BRCK has sold over 2,500 devices in 54 countries -- most notably in India, where facebook has faced some backlash over its free internet initiative.
With
$3 million in its pocket from supporters including former AOL
executives Jean and Steve Case and the TED organization, BRCK looks set
for continued growth in 2016.
"A lot
of this funding is earmarked to grow our footprint, distribution and
team around BRCK Education across the continent and globally," said
Hersman.
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