Vodacom
and Fenix International have launched the ReadySet mobile phone
charging system in Tanzania. The portable phone charger is powered
either by a solar panel or a bicycle dynamo.
People
living in off grid areas of Tanzania will soon have more widespread
access to photovoltaic and pedal-powered charging stations, through
the roll out of ReadySet charging stations. The distribution of the
systems, which have been developed by Fenix International, is being
supported by Vodacom Tanzania.
The
ReadySet charges multiple phones simultaneously and is also capable
of powering an LED light bulb and tablet computers. The solar panel
can charge up to 10 phones a day. At first the systems will be
launched with only the solar panel, but the bicycle dynamo will
launch at a later date.
The
ReadySet will cost around US$200 and can generated $40 – $50 per
month for the shopkeeper from mobile phone charging.
In
2012 a ReadySet pilot program took place and it was demonstrated that
there is strong demand for mobile phone photovoltaic charging
services amongst Vodacom Tanzania’s 40,000 sales locations. The
incentive for Vodacom to facilitate the scheme is that revenue from
sales of M-Pesa mobile phone credit will be increased if there is
wider access to charging stations.
"Vodacom
has already transformed the lives of nine million people in Tanzania
by providing unprecedented access to mobile communications and mobile
banking via its M-Pesa network," said Fenix International’s
CEO Mike Lin, in a statement announcing the product roll out.
"Whether an M-Pesa agent, small business or a mother looking to
generate additional household income, the ReadySet can empower owners
to become micro-utility entrepreneurs in their communities."
The ReadySet
was developed using crowdsourced finance via the website
Kickstarter. The
project to develop the ReadySet was launched in July 2012, with the
$100,000 required raised by August 10. Fenix International also has
an office in Rwanda, funded through the Kickstarter campaign.
The
May edition of pv magazine will feature a special
report on some of the innovative startups and social businesses
supplying offgrid areas in Africa with photovoltaic solutions.
pvmagazine.com