Further to the announcement made at the beginning of September, FGL will be partnering with various agencies to roll out this network, beginning with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for free.
Claude Tambu, founder and managing partner of FGL Telecom, said: “For many people living throughout the world today, the thought of existing in a place with absolutely no cellular connection is inconceivable. These individuals are forced to try and earn a living with no ability to communicate directly with other carriers, consumers, employees, etc. Having telecommunication connection is a basic human necessity today, and we’re determined to deliver it to those living in Africa.”
Because many rural villages outside central Africa are without telecommunication support, the network FGL is proposing will be unusual, including mobile phones with free calling capability. Those within these villages with phones, they will be able to contact their friends, family and co-workers for free with international calling at very cheap rates.
“Those trying to make it and start businesses in Africa have to interact with everyone in their supply chain in person,” continued Tambu. “It’s like doing business over 100 years ago in the Western world. Naturally, this impediment to their development is what contributes to the poor socioeconomic standings of these rural communities and under-served villages. With this kind of new telecommunications infrastructure, residents don't have to rely on the government anymore. We’re providing what they need to function within their own independent network.”
FGL hopes to transform the way in which people in these villages communicate with one another and the greater domestic and international economies, through this project. Starting with the DRC, FGL says it will work its way across all African countries that are being left behind in terms of network coverage. Once the DRC project has been completed, FGL says it will confer with its other partners and plan its next moves to expand into other African countries.
“We’re encouraging everyone to ask us questions and spread the word about what we’re aiming to do here,” added Tambu. “Through international support and collaboration, we can improve the lives of millions around the world today. We’re fortunate enough to have a business model that can be integrated in any kind of community, and we look forward to working with the incredible people of the DRC.”
