Pedal Powered Internet in Laos.

[Woz]

Couldn't resist throwing this one in.

Australia has been famous in years past for Radios powered by a Dynamo attached to a stationary bicycle thus giving emergency access in the outback as I am sure are other parts of the world. That technology has been long superseded here, but it seems it is gaining new usage in Laos.

According to this article [voanews.com], remote villages in Laos are being given wireless internet access powered by pedals.

"The five computers will draw their power from automobile batteries attached to stationary bicycles. A solar-powered radio transmitter will relay signals from the computers to a hospital communications center with telephones that can dial into the Internet."

OK, so I guess there is not an immediate need to start building sites pushing bicycle parts into the remote areas of SE Asia, but it would give those remote villagers who are perhaps making a niche product, eg., woodcarvings or spices or some such similar, more direct access to their markets in the rest of the world. It levels the playing field just that little bit more.

If nothing else, it is a heart warming article.

Onya
Woz

[bill]

That is interesting. I wonder why we haven't seen more of this sort of network in Asia. There certainly are rural areas that could benefit from something like this.

I'd really like to know how they got a wireless network to work from 100km away (or maybe I read that wrong)...;)

[Woz]

The village is 100 Ks away from the Capital, but presumably not to far from the Hospital.

Onya
Woz

[bill]

That sounds more reasonable. I sometimes have troubles with the wireless connection in the next room ;) I was beginning to think these guys had stumbled onto something new here.

[Visit Thailand]

It is nice to see Solar Power being a part of it as well.

Why Solar Power is not more widely used especially in certain parts of Asia is beyond me.