The world's second largest lake, Lake Victoria provides livelihood directly or indirectly to more than 30 million people. However, it is one of the world's most dangerous waterways, where it is estimated up to 5000 people die each year from fishing-related accidents and piracy.

The project involves increasing network coverage, while also improving safety and security around the lake. It will include the use of a GSM network to meet maritime needs, and an additional 21 radio base stations will be installed.

The network extension will be achieved through Ericsson's Extended Range software, which more than doubles the coverage range of mobile base stations. This will allow near-seamless coverage to be extended up to 20km into the lake, covering the area where more than 90 percent of all fishing takes place.

Mobile Positioning System, Ericsson's location-based service, will also be used to allow emergency services to triangulate the mobile signal of fishermen in distress, thus increasing the chances of a successful rescue.

The first phase of the project involved a feasibility study to assess the business case for increasing GSM network coverage for communities in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda that border the lake. The objective was to find a self-sustainable business model, determine a technical solution and build stakeholder partnerships. Ericsson carried out the study together with pan-African operator Zain and the GSMA Development Fund.

In the second phase, Ericsson and network operator Zain (Celtel) will implement the technical solution and extend mobile network coverage across Lake Victoria. Viable value-added services for the subscribers around the lake will also be introduced.

Ericsson's innovative green site solutions, such as solar and hybrid power, will be used in areas with power challenges. The hybrid solutions reduce diesel consumption by up to 50 percent.

Saad Al Barrak, CEO of Zain Group, says: "Zain is committed to supporting the communities we serve and making vital telecommunications accessible to all. This investment will be further supported by our One Network concept, which eliminates international roaming fees for our customers who cross regional borders." This plan will allow people to make calls at more affordable rates.

Mobile services will increase the efficiency of local businesses through weather alerts, market prices, safety bulletins, and bringing suppliers and customers together. They will also help provide the infrastructure to expand the tourist and transport services that operate on the lake. It is hoped that telecoms will foster economic and social development in the region.

Jan Embro, President of Ericsson in sub-Saharan Africa, says: "This project is an excellent example of how Ericsson's core technology can contribute to social and economic development. In this case there is a win-win situation: We are enabling the basic human rights of safety, security and economic development, while at the same time the project is supported by a sustainable business case."