Filing this one under digital divide:
This device, called a Network Relief Kit, weighs less than four pounds and “is a grand slam invention,†Mr. Lopes said. “It’s portable, light and brings the outside world to the most remote, disconnected places.â€
It was created by NetHope, a collaboration of nonprofit organizations and technology companies working to improve humanitarian aid around the world. Founded in 2001, NetHope, which is based near Washington, has engaged in relief efforts after natural disasters like storms and earthquakes, as well as armed conflict. Charitable donors often prefer lean organizations with low overhead so that most of their contributions go directly to help the needy. As a result, however, nonprofits have chronically underfinanced information technology departments, which oversee operations like networking, computers and satellite phones.