TerraNet AB
| Industry | Peer-to-peer, Mesh networking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Anders Carlius |
| Headquarters | Lund, Sweden |
Key people | Pär-Olof Johannesson, Dan Olofsson, Conny Do |
Number of employees | 22 |
| Website | www |
TerraNet AB is a company that delivers mobile telephony and data services via a peer-to-peer mobile mesh network of handsets and light infrastructure. It is headquartered in Sweden and currently led by CEO Pär-Olof Johannesson.
The system uses each unit within range as an additional network node allowing voice and data transmission via its own radio frequency rather than conventional cell sites. The TerraNet concept was originally developed as a way to bring mobile coverage to under-served geographies and populations, but the technology in itself has a much broader market.[1]
When a TerraNet phone is switched on, it begins to look for other phones within its effective range. If it finds them, it connects and extends the radio network. When an actual number is dialled, the handset uses checks to see if the person being called is within range of any handsets in the network, and if they are, the call goes through.
Detractors have questioned TerraNet's lack of a clear business model, though device manufacturers appear to be interested in its efforts. Noted thought leaders in Voice over IP, such as Alexander Straub of Truphone, have identified mesh networks as the "next big thing" in telecoms.[2]
History
TerraNet AB was founded in 2004 by the inventor of the technology, Anders Carlius, a serial entrepreneur from Lund, Skåne County. Carlius, who came from a background in chip manufacturing with Switchcore and also worked for web portal operator Spray Network, served as the first CEO until 2010. Since its inception TerraNet has been headquartered at Lund's Ideon Science Park,[3] which is best known as the home of Ericsson Radio Systems.
Carlius says he came up with the idea while travelling on safari in east Africa with his wife Emma. The first extensive pilot project was carried out in the autumn of 2005 on a farming co-operative in Botswana.[4] Other trials included an agreement with Indian operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam to test 50 handsets in late 2012, and a number of pilots in South America. That year, development engineer Conny Do said his main prerogative was to miniaturise TerraNet's credit card-sized circuit so that it could be installed in any mobile handset.[5]
The company won the prestigious Red Herring (magazine) Award in April 2008,[6] while Carlius himself has received a number of honours for his work in promoting entrepreneurship in Sweden, including leadership awards in 2005 from Rapidus and 2008 from Jönköping International Business School.
TerraNet is supported by private investors. In July 2013, it emerged that serial entrepreneur Dan Olofsson had bought a 12.5% stake. CEO Pär-Olof Johannesson acknowledged that Oloffson's investment "means a lot to the company, as he is a well-known operator with a heavy industrial background who knows the industry inside out." [7]
References
- ^ "Mobile system promises free calls" London, BBC Technology. 11 September 2007
- ^ Mansfield, Barry. "A True Calling" London, CNBC European Business. 1 January 2008
- ^ Wessman, Johann. "Ny mobilteknik växer på Ideon i Lund" Malmö, Sydsvenskan. 23 September 2006
- ^ "Peer-to-peer mobile trial in Africa". London, Computing (magazine), Incisive Media. 26 May 2005
- ^ Karlsson-Ottosson, Ulla. "Deras mobil fixar sitt eget nät" Stockholm, Ny Teknik. 18 January 2012
- ^ Mansfield, Barry. "Changing the World in Two Steps" London, CNBC European Business. 1 October 2008
- ^ Kalin, Kajsa-Stina. "Ny investerare till Terranet" Malmö, Sydsvenskan. 31 July 2013