How We Work

Step 1 - Jointly Design a Solution

Where possible we work closely with grassroots actors such as community based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, local government organizations and other relevant parties to assess ICT needs for particular communities as well as training needs and devise an appropriate strategy to address those needs.

We then put together a customized Information Communication Technology (ICT) strategy to allow you to reach rural, remote, cross-border and large geographic areas with your programs and content- by combining multiple ICTs, including satellite radio, AM/FM radio, VSAT, HF email, mobile phones, alternative energy, and ruggedized computer systems.

Step 2 - Provided Deeply Discounted Bandwidth

If satellite services are appropriate to your circumstances, FVI provides deeply discounted bandwidth. Donors and NGOs working in the field of humanitarian relief and development qualify for the deeply discounted bandwidth for non-commercial programming that is made possible by FVI’s technology endowment.

Audio: For only USD 20,000, a donor or NGO can buy an hour a day for a year on a 32 kbps channel on three beams of AsiaStar™. USD 90,000 buys an hour a day for a year on a 48 kbps channel on all three beams of AfriStar™. Hundreds of millions of people reside in the footprint of each of these beams, with an increasing number each day organized by NGOs into listening groups. And several millions listen to local-language FVI programs rebroadcast by community FM radio stations.

Data:For USD 25,000 a year, a donor can send 10 MB of text, graphics and other computer data, such as word documents or PDF documents, per day over all three beams of either AfriStar™ and AsiaStar™.

Step 3 - Joint Fundraising

FVI provides technical information for grant proposals as part of projects in which it is either a full partner or a subcontractor. FVI often joins partners in meetings with prospective funders.

Step 4 - Procurement

When appropriate we procure all the necessary equipment from the most reliable equipment suppliers and it the most cost effective price and deliver it where it needs to go in country.

Step 5 - Installation and Training

We install the new communications system on the ground and train all relevant local players to use and maintain it – thus building local capacity and ensuring sustainability.

Step 6 - Follow Up

When working with donors and partners, we work with our community, NGO and donor partners to incorporate a monitoring and evaluation component, in order to measure the social impact of audio and multi-media programs.

Once the equipment and training is in place, communities and local partners will have ongoing access to all radio programs on the airwaves – so they can continue to learn about issues such as HIV/AIDS, trafficking, farming methods and education.

Equipment is low maintenance and local partners are fully trained to look after and maintain the new technology.