{"id":17083,"date":"2026-10-23T13:42:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:42:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/?p=17083"},"modified":"2026-10-28T16:26:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T16:26:01","slug":"connectivity-that-changes-lives-how-innovation-is-bridging-the-digital-divide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/connected-healthcare\/connectivity-that-changes-lives-how-innovation-is-bridging-the-digital-divide\/","title":{"rendered":"Connectivity That Changes Lives: How Innovation Is Bridging the Digital Divide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>From solar-powered connectivity hubs in Kenya to accessible healthcare for displaced communities and drone-enabled medical deliveries in Panama, discover how innovation is helping overcome barriers to essential services.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What happens when a school has digital devices but no reliable electricity to power them? When a displaced family cannot access healthcare because they don&#8217;t speak the language? Or when a remote community urgently needs medicines, but geographical barriers make delivering them a challenge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the real-world problems that technology and collaboration can help solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On 19 October, <strong>GSMA Foundry Innovation Spotlight #13, <em>Connectivity That Changes Lives<\/em><\/strong>, brought together three innovators demonstrating how connectivity can create opportunities, improve access to essential services and strengthen communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hosted by Jessica, the discussion featured <strong>Quinter Ochieng from ChargeByte, Berktu\u011f Kubuk from Hera Digital Health and Marta Seg\u00fa from Bar\u00e7a Foundation<\/strong>, whose initiatives highlight the human impact of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conversation also built on GSMA Foundry&#8217;s partnership with Mobile World Capital Barcelona and the Mobile World Capital Awards 2026, which recognise technologies addressing social and environmental challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A video call grid shows four people in separate frames. Top left is Jessica Bukenya, top right is Ochieng Quinter, bottom left is Dr. Marta Seg\u00fa wearing a white headscarf, and bottom right is Berk tu\u011f Kubuk. Each frame includes a name tag and professional affiliation at the bottom.\" class=\"wp-image-17092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-766x431.png 766w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-Spotlight-13-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>Powering opportunity through conenctivity in Kenya<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine a school equipped with tablets and laptops, yet unable to use them because of unreliable electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was one of the challenges that inspired <strong>ChargeByte<\/strong>, which is helping communities in Kenya overcome two interconnected barriers: access to power and access to connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through solar-powered community hubs, ChargeByte provides electricity, device charging, Wi-Fi and access to digital services, enabling schools, businesses and underserved communities to participate more fully in the digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\">&#8220;<em>It&#8217;s only useful when it&#8217;s accessible, affordable and reliable<\/em>.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Quinter Ochieng, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Chargebyte<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By combining reliable power with connectivity, ChargeByte is helping students participate in ICT classes and enabling local communities to access digital services and conduct business transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Quinter also highlighted that deploying infrastructure is only the beginning. ChargeByte monitors usage patterns and gathers community feedback to understand demand and adapt its services to local needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The lesson? Digital inclusion isn&#8217;t simply about providing technology. It&#8217;s about ensuring people can use it reliably, affordably and in ways that fit their everyday lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>Making healthcare accessible to displaced communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For people forced to leave their homes, accessing healthcare can become an overwhelming challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clinic may exist nearby, but language barriers, unfamiliar health systems and lost medical records can prevent people from receiving the care they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hera Digital Health<\/strong> is addressing these challenges with mobile technologies designed around the experiences of refugee and displaced communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using familiar tools such as WhatsApp, alongside portable digital health records and AI-enabled assistance, Hera helps people navigate healthcare systems and maintain continuity of care as they move between locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\">&#8220;<em>There&#8217;s a huge gap between having service available and someone&#8217;s actually being able to use that<\/em>.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Berktu\u011f Kubuk, Senior Program Manager, HERA Digital Health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hera&#8217;s approach was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and displaced communities, ensuring its solutions respond to real-world barriers rather than assumptions about user needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team also learned an important lesson along the way. Initially, asking users to download a dedicated application created an additional barrier. Adapting the solution to WhatsApp, a platform many people were already familiar with, made it easier to engage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Berktu\u011f, resilience means something deeply human: ensuring that a woman doesn&#8217;t lose access to her healthcare information and support every time she has to relocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The takeaway? Effective innovation starts with understanding people&#8217;s circumstances and designing technology around them, not the other way around.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>Connecting remote communities to life-saving healthcare in Panama<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In remote communities, geographical barriers can turn routine healthcare needs into serious challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Panama, a collaboration involving <strong>Bar\u00e7a Foundation, the Pan American Health Organization, the Ministry of Health and other partners<\/strong> is using drone technology to strengthen healthcare access for indigenous communities in hard-to-reach areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initiative supports the delivery of medicines, medical supplies and the transportation of laboratory samples, helping overcome logistical challenges that can delay diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marta Seg\u00fa, Executive Director of Bar\u00e7a Foundation, explained how the project was developed in close collaboration with local communities, healthcare professionals, government authorities and technology partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\">&#8220;<em>It&#8217;s a new innovative way to strengthen community health, to connect people with people, hospitals and health centers with communities in very remote and hard to reach areas<\/em>.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Marta Seg\u00fa, Executive Director of Bar\u00e7a Foundation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project&#8217;s implementation has also revealed important lessons for future expansion, from maintaining reliable power for drone batteries to developing protocols for transporting medical samples and temperature-sensitive medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, local communities have been involved from the beginning, helping shape the initiative around their needs and ensuring that they have a role in its development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The lesson? Technology can overcome physical distance, but meaningful and sustainable impact depends on community ownership and collaboration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>Why collaboration is essential to lasting impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the three projects address very different challenges, one message emerged clearly from the discussion: no single organisation can solve these problems alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\">&#8220;<em>The truth is the digital divide cannot be solved by one company. We need synergies, we need collaboration<\/em>.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Quinter Ochieng, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Chargebyte<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All three speakers emphasised the importance of bringing together local communities, technology providers, governments, healthcare organisations and investors to develop solutions that can continue delivering value over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion also explored the challenge of scaling successful innovations beyond their original communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For ChargeByte, this means adapting deployment models, pricing and partnerships to different markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Hera, it means building evidence of improved healthcare access and developing flexible solutions that local organisations can adopt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the Panama initiative, expansion requires further investment, government support and infrastructure that can reliably support drone operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The common thread is that <strong>scaling innovation isn&#8217;t simply about replicating technology. It&#8217;s about adapting solutions to local needs, building the right partnerships and creating the conditions for long-term sustainability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>What role can mobile operators play?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conversation also highlighted the opportunities for mobile operators and the wider connectivity ecosystem to help initiatives like these reach more people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The speakers identified several ways the industry could contribute, from improving affordable and reliable connectivity in underserved regions to working more closely with local innovators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Hera, affordable mobile connectivity and messaging services are particularly important for maintaining essential healthcare communications in crisis-affected communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For ChargeByte, mobile operators can create opportunities for collaboration by sharing insights into connectivity gaps and working with local organisations developing practical solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these perspectives reinforce the opportunity for the mobile ecosystem to go beyond providing connectivity and become an active partner in delivering meaningful social impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>Recognising innovation that makes a difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These initiatives reflect the ambition behind <strong>GSMA Foundry&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/mobile-world-capital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">partnership<\/a> with Mobile World Capital Barcelona<\/strong> and the <strong>Mobile World Capital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The awards recognise projects using technology to tackle some of the world&#8217;s most pressing social and environmental challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through the GSMA Foundry Innovation Spotlight series, we&#8217;re helping bring these stories to a wider audience, sharing practical lessons and encouraging further collaboration across the mobile and technology ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:34px\"><strong>From connectivity to meaningful impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across Kenya, displaced communities and remote regions of Panama, these initiatives demonstrate a powerful common principle: <strong>the true value of connectivity lies in what it enables people to achieve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether helping students participate in digital education, ensuring displaced families can access healthcare or bringing essential medicines closer to remote communities, meaningful innovation begins with understanding real human needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the discussion demonstrated, technology alone is not enough. Lasting impact requires collaboration, local understanding and solutions that can adapt and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through partnerships such as Mobile World Capital Barcelona, GSMA Foundry continues to champion innovations that turn technological potential into practical solutions and positive social impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/gsma_resources\/innovation-spotlight-connectivity-that-changes-lives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch the full interview<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch the full GSMA Foundry Innovation Spotlight, <em>Connectivity That Changes Lives<\/em>, to discover how these initiatives are helping create more inclusive and resilient communities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned for further developments from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GSMA Foundry<\/a>. If you have any questions or want to join this exciting journey, feel free to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:foundry@gsma.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reach out<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From solar-powered connectivity hubs in Kenya to accessible healthcare for displaced communities and drone-enabled medical deliveries in Panama, discover how innovation is helping overcome barriers to essential services. What happens when a school has digital devices but no reliable electricity to power them? When a displaced family cannot access healthcare because they don&#8217;t speak the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":17085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[461],"tags":[],"algolia_discover_type":[206],"class_list":["post-17083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-connected-healthcare","algolia_discover_type-article"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.4 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Connectivity That Changes Lives: How Innovation Is Bridging the Digital Divide - GSMA Foundry<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/connected-healthcare\/connectivity-that-changes-lives-how-innovation-is-bridging-the-digital-divide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Connectivity That Changes Lives: How Innovation Is Bridging the Digital Divide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From solar-powered connectivity hubs in Kenya to accessible healthcare for displaced communities and drone-enabled medical deliveries in Panama, discover how innovation is helping overcome barriers to essential services. 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