UNICEF: "Bee" system provides connectivity in emergencies

NEW YORK, USA, 20 August 2008 -- UNICEF has successfully tested the first two prototypes of the 'Bee', a mobile communication system developed by the Division of Communication. The Bee will allow communication, connectivity and data access in field conditions where such technologies are often difficult or impossible to use.

The system is designed to work within UNICEF's 'build back better' policy of helping families and communities recover from emergencies. While the components of the Bee are intended initially to facilitate crisis-response operations, they are eventually to be left behind and integrated into the community's monitoring, evaluation, education and health programmes.

In many emergency and field settings, access to both power and connectivity are limiting factors to communication. The Bee has been built in a modular fashion, allowing it to be charged with solar power (with a run time of 38 hours), a car battery or a conventional power source.

The Bee is also able to connect to global telecommunications networks using a satellite receiver or a mobile phone, or through its built-in, long-distance WiFi capacity.

To read the full story, visit:http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_45259.html

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• UNICEF
• Bee
• system
• emergencies
• wi-fi
• satellite
• children
• schools
• education