TechAfrica News Founder and Editor-in-Chief Akim Benamara had the opportunity to sit down with Nathi Mbele, CEO of AdNotes, at MVNO Nation Africa 2024. Mbele shared his insights on the innovative advancements his company is making in TV white space technology. He explained how the technology will revolutionize connectivity in rural Africa and the huge benefits it will bring to MNOs.
Mbele introduced TV White Space as an innovative technology to provide affordable broadband to remote and rural areas, utilising underutilised spectrum initially allocated for broadcasters.
“TV white spaces is a very interesting technology that can help operators reach hard-to-reach areas such as rural and remote areas. It utilises existing available spectrum that has been allocated to broadcasters, but this spectrum has gaps in it called TV white spaces. These gaps ensure that there is no interference between broadcasters. By packaging these gaps, we can provide affordable broadband in rural areas.”
– Nathi Mbele, CEO of AdNotes
One of the most striking points made by Mbele was that of affordability. He noted that TV white spaces provide MNOs with a more affordable infrastructure to expand coverage, which is crucial in areas where traditional investments are not feasible. The technology can also act as a neutral host, increasing the effectiveness of 5G networks.
This is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and enabling access to the internet to previously marginalized populations, a mission further supported by the significantly lower cost of base stations.
The potential of TV white spaces goes beyond basic connectivity. Mbele highlighted their importance in improving essential services such as healthcare and education in rural areas. A key feature of TV white spaces technology is its low power consumption, making it ideal for areas with unreliable power supplies.
Partnerships with organisations such as CSIR and UNDP are crucial to the success of AdNotes’ efforts. He said these partnerships provide development insights and build a model for successful MVNOs.
“Partnerships are key. It has proven that current gaps and challenges cannot be solved by one technology alone. Development insights gained from partnerships show that affordability makes business sense. By providing backhaul, neutral hosts can encourage 5G operators to focus on building out their core networks. Case studies with partners such as CSIR and UNDP have built a model for successful MVNOs.”
– Nathi Mbele, CEO of AdNotes
Mbele detailed plans to expand the technology solution, including a pilot in Tanzania. He explained their strategy to provide neutral hosts and affordable, low-power devices to add value to subsidized telecommunications towers. Looking to the future, it’s clear that AdNotes will be a driving force in the ongoing digital transformation in Africa.
