Wind & Fire
Panama harnesses solar and wind power to operate radio bases, making it possible for areas currently lacking a constant supply of electricity to have reliable communications.
Over in Panama, we’ve harnessed the elements to reduce our impact on the planet. +Movil stepped up its green technology efforts and is now using a combination of solar and wind power to operate radio bases.
This approach also means that we can make a start on connecting remote communities. This community of Piriati is located near the dam and hydroelectric plant of Bayano yet it has no constant supply of electricity. Until now, this has made it difficult for them to stay in touch with others. Now that the radio bases have been installed, we expect around 2,000 people to sign up for mobile phones.
It is a native reservation. The villagers were isolated by not having telecommunications services. So the base radio sources driven by combined wind and solar energy transformed the lifestyle of villagers.
The next two communities will be in the Veraguas province and Kuna Yala territories. Like Piriati, neither of these areas have had the chance to get connected and reach out to the wider world.
The Authority of Public Services of Panama praised the initiative for its green credentials and the way it includes hard-to-reach areas.