Implementation of WiFi Internet project with Guest Internet GIS-R40 controllers and Starlink in Mogadishu - Somalia

Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, has a population of approximately 2.5 million people. This project aims to provide internet access to around 25,000 residents within a specific area of the city. While many users require high-speed internet, Mogadishu currently lacks fast fiber-optic connections for widespread coverage.

To address this challenge, the internet service uses multiple Starlink satellite antennas paired with Guest Internet controllers. Eventually, 20 Starlink units will be deployed, collectively delivering up to 5 Gbps of data speed. Residents can conveniently purchase internet access on demand through mobile money (MoMo) payment systems, providing a flexible and accessible means of connectivity through our partner in Ghana - FLEXICONNECT.

This initiative leverages Starlink’s satellite technology to overcome the city's limited terrestrial infrastructure and deliver reliable, high-speed internet where fiber-optic options are unavailable. By combining satellite internet with Guest Internet smart management controllers and mobile money payments, the project offers an innovative solution to meet the growing demand for fast, accessible internet in Mogadishu.

FLEXICONNECT has deployed its FlexiCloud Mobile Money solution by integrating with the Guest Internet GIS-R40 gateways in a single stack. Currently, Eight Starlink antennas and two GIS-R40 controllers provide a WiFi Internet for Mogadishu residents. The system will be expanded in the coming weeks.

Shared multi-Starlink technology is a breakthrough Smart City Wi-Fi hotspot solution for a city covering 5KM Square area. As a consultant for the project, technical designs, hardware sourcing and solution deployment were all undertaken by FLEXICONNECT.

The service is delivered to residents through a wireless distribution network with bridges and point-to-multi-point wireless access points. 

Phase one of the project required the installation of eight Starlink antennas and two of the durable Guest Internet GIS-R40 controllers, with the FLEXICONNECT mobile money payment system integrated with the Guest Internet cloud service. With 4-WAN ports per GIS-R40 gateway that load balance four (4) Starlink antennas averaging 250Mbs data speed, up to 1Gb/s of data speed is available with each GIS-R40 for the wireless distribution network.

The photographs show steps of the installation process.

PHOTO 1: Michael from FLEXICONNECT with the phase 1 installation - eight Starlink antennas.

PHOTO 2: Installation of the Guest Internet GIS-R40 controllers (2 blue boxes) in the wiring closet.

PHOTO 3: Michael from FLEXICONNECT showing one of the point-to-multi-point wireless towers.

PHOTO 4: Point-to-multi-point wireless access points installed on buildings.

(Photos were provided by our partner, Michael Obuobi-Donkor, CEO of Donintellisys, consultant for the project and responsible for the mobile-money (MoMo) payment system)

FLEXICloud has successfully been integrated with the Mobile Money Wallet gateway provider with the GIS Cloud Account for self-service and capability to purchase Internet token/code for access 24/7. A design of the captive portal brands the service and provides a very easy to use access interface for customers.

• People connect to the WiFi network using a mobile phone.
• The mobile phone does not require a connection to the mobile network.
• When connected to the WiFi network the browser screen shows the Mobile Money payment options, each option determines the time that the Internet can be used, this is called Internet on-demand.
• After selecting the option the screen shows the Mobile Money (MoMo) payment page.
• The MoMo credential is provided to pay with mobile credit.
• When the payment is accepted the phone displays the Internet access code and the code is also sent to the phone via text message

The computer screen that users see to purchase Internet using mobile money is shown in the figure; the design is responsive and will adjust for a mobile phone screen.

Below is a sample captive portal screen.

Leveraging Starlink satellite technology combined with Guest Internet controllers provides an effective and scalable solution to deliver high-speed internet in areas lacking traditional infrastructure. This approach enables communities to access reliable connectivity with flexible payment options, meeting the growing demand for fast, affordable internet access.

If you are interested in deploying a large-scale WiFi service in your city and want to explore how our solutions can help you achieve this, please get in touch with us. We are ready to assist you in bringing reliable internet access to your community.

Contact us today to plan your Internet WiFi service.

Guest Internet makes the best products for community WiFi, please contact:

support@guest-internet.com

WISPzone has everything you need to start and grow, please contact:

info@wispzone.com

FLEXICONNECT can deliver complete systems in Ghana and West Africa:

office@donintellisys.com