A Cheap, Open Source Cell Network for the Underprivileged and Unconnected

Network World has a story up on "a solar-powered, low-cost, open source cellular network that's revolutionizing coverage in underprivileged and off-grid spots." It's being offered by Range Networks, whose founders the author describes as "wireless gurus," and it's being tested in the Nevada desert right now.

This is the third year its founders have decided to trial-by-fire the system by offering free cell phone service to the 50,000-ish attendees at Burning Man, which [began Monday] in Black Rock City, Nevada. I've posted a few photos of the set-up here. But the project is still new and mostly unheard-of.  The second-generation hardware is in beta and the project's commercial start-up, Range Networks, won't emerge from stealth mode until September (at the DEMO conference).

Read the full story at Network World.