ODL Community Internet
Community Internet Service Project for Lascahobas Haiti.
Project Overview
This project aims to provide free internet access to section near the catholic church of Lascahobas within a 500-foot radius, while extending connectivity to remote locations up to 15 kilometers away. The system combines Starlink satellite internet, solar-powered WiFi extenders, and point-to-point/point-to-multipoint wireless links.
The Organization for the Development of Lascahobas Inc. (ODL), EIN 11-3047502, is a non-profit organization created and registered with IRS in 1990 by friends and natives of Lascahobas, Haiti. Its vision is to "Identify and provide materials and human resources to improve the living conditions through health, education, and trade of the city.”
Project Drawing
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ COMMUNITY INTERNET NETWORK - HAITI ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
🛰️ STARLINK SATELLITE
(LEO)
Ku-band Signal
▼
┌─────────────────────┐
📡 STARLINK DISH
(Roof Mounted)
└──────────┬──────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────┐
🔋 SOLAR POWER
SYSTEM (2.4kW DC)
+ Battery Bank
└────────────┬────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
STARLINK ROUTER / SWITCH
(1 Gbps Gateway)
└────┬───────────────────┬─────────────────┘
│ │
▼ ▼
┌──────────────────────┐ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ LOCAL WiFi AP │ │ UBIQUITI ROCKET M │
│ (400-500ft Radius) │ │ (Base Station) │
│ [Phones/iPads/Laptops│ │ 5GHz / 2.4GHz │
│ within range] │ └───────────┬────────────┘
└──────────────────────┘ │
│ Point-to-Multipoint
│ (Up to 15km)
┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ REMOTE NODE 1 │ │ REMOTE NODE 2 │ │ REMOTE NODE 3 │
│ (School) │ │ (Clinic) │ │ (Community │
│ 5-10km │ │ 8-12km │ │ Center) │
│ ☀️ Solar+WiFi │ │ ☀️ Solar+WiFi │ │ 12-15km │
└─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │ ☀️ Solar+WiFi │
└─────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ POINT-TO-POINT LINK │
│ (Dedicated 15km Connection) │
│ Secondary Location │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ LEGEND │
│ 🛰️ Satellite Link 📡 Antenna/Dish ☀️ Solar Power │
│ 🔋 Battery Storage 💻 End-User Devices (Phones, Laptops, iPads) │
│ ──── WiFi Coverage (500ft radius) ──── Long-Distance Wireless Link │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Technical Components
1. Satellite Backhaul - Starlink
-
Starlink Standard or High-Performance Dish providing up to 1 Gbps throughput
-
Multiple Starlink kits have been deployed in Haiti, including on Île-à-Vache, successfully connecting schools and communities that previously lacked reliable internet
-
Starlink operates in Haiti under CONATEL authorization since 2022; average download speeds reached 41.73 Mbps in 2023
2. Power System - Solar
-
Solar panels power the entire network infrastructure, ensuring sustainability in areas with unreliable grid electricity
-
Component breakdown: 30W solar panels per WiFi hotspot, charge controllers, and battery banks
3. Local WiFi Coverage (400-500ft Radius)
-
UniFi WiFi antennas and nanostations for local distribution
-
Compatible with:
-
Cellular phones
-
iPads
-
Laptops
-
4. Long-Distance Wireless Links (Up to 15km)
-
Ubiquiti RocketM Base Station for point-to-multipoint connections
-
Point-to-Point Wireless Bridges like ComFi WL4800 (dual-band, up to 15km, 1200Mbps)
-
Inveneo methodology for long-distance WiFi deployment requires:
-
Line-of-sight between nodes
-
GPS coordination for antenna aiming
-
Use of Google Earth and Radio Mobile for network design
-
Implementation Phases
Phase 1: Site Survey & Planning
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Conduct GPS site visits to identify optimal tower/roof locations
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Verify line-of-sight for all long-distance links
-
Confirm structural integrity of buildings for equipment mounting
Phase 2: Core Infrastructure Installation
-
Install Starlink dish and connect to router
-
Deploy solar power system (2.4kW)
-
Set up base station with point-to-multipoint capability
Phase 3: Local Network Deployment
-
Install UniFi WiFi antennas for 500ft coverage radius
-
Configure network for device compatibility (phones, tablets, laptops)
Phase 4: Remote Node Installation
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Deploy solar-powered WiFi hotspots at remote locations (up to 15km)
-
Install point-to-point bridges for dedicated long-distance links
-
Configure point-to-multipoint nodes
Phase 5: Training & Sustainability
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Train local Haitian technicians (BATI - Haitian ICT entrepreneurs) in:
-
Network maintenance
-
Solar system upkeep
-
Basic troubleshooting
-
-
Establish community management structure for long-term sustainability
Equipment List
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink High-Performance Dish | 1 | Satellite internet backhaul |
| Solar PV System (2.4kW DC) | 1 | Primary power source |
| Battery Bank | 1 | Energy storage |
| Ubiquiti RocketM Base Station | 1 | Point-to-multipoint base |
| UniFi WiFi Antennas | 3-5 | 500ft local coverage |
| UniFi Nanostations | 5-10 | WiFi hotspots |
| Point-to-Point Bridge Units | 2-4 | Dedicated 15km links |
| Point-to-Multipoint CPEs | 5-10 | Remote node receivers |
Budget Estimate (Approximate)
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Starlink Kit | $500-$600 |
| Solar System (2.4kW) | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Wireless Equipment (Ubiquiti, etc.) | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Installation & Labor | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Training & Maintenance | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Total Estimated | $8,500-$14,500 |
Sustainability Plan
Local Capacity Building
-
Partner with Lascahobas born Engineer in the US to train local technicians
-
Enable community members to maintain and repair equipment
Duration of Project
The project started on August 10, 2026 and should be completed before the end of the year.
Sources of Continuing Support
ODL has agreed to fund the cost of providing software. Projected expenses are primarily site licenses and renewals. ODL will budget for repairs and upgrades to hardware. Faculty members and administration will provide Professional Development to the staff per needs assessment.
Performance Measures
Evaluation will occur on an annual yearly basis. Teachers along with students will complete detailed surveys conveying strengths and areas of weakness that need attention. An overall evaluation will be measured by progress made on the Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Increased integration of technology through instruction will also measure effectiveness.
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Fritz Gelin, Patrick Tertulien, Smith Senatus, Marcelle Potier, Elcie Estinvil, Chantale Pierre Toussaint Bien-aime,Vladimir Bien-Aime, Yvrose Jean, Fritz Potier, Emmanuel Noisette, Girvach Villette, Edbert Louis, Robert Macenat, Gerald Lezeau, Fresnel Glaudin (kaï), Pierre Sigue, Magalie Sigue, Monique Sigue, Sydney Sigue, Ronald Sigue, Denise Olivier, Beleck Valmont, Luckner Riche, Jean Aly Thomas, Yolette Celencier, Duvane Dubuisson, Gethro Parfait, Robert Philizaire, Nicole Pierre Toussaint Salnave, Babi August, Ebert Louis, Renaud Honore, Bachmard Pierre, Carline Antoine(Cathy), Marie Carmelle Vernet, Liline Vernet, Yvon Cabrouet, Nancy Guerrier, Gabriel Samper, Gary Morette, Najacques Etienne, Brian Arteaga, Marie Carmelle Alcide, Thomas Lalime, Rico Vernet, Judy Levy, Marie Gladys Cadet, Pierre Valmont, Delourdes Joseph, Charlemagne Olivier, Jean Michel Etienne, Camie Pierre Toussaint, Myrlene Pamphile,Simone Degraff, Antonine Louissaint, Marjorie Dubuisson, Dominique Joseph, Evlyne Constant, Herby Garçon.
Donations
Send Checks or money orders to:
ORGANIZATION FOR THE DEVELOMENT OF LASCAHOBAS INC.
11 Jeremy DR
Dayton, NJ 08810
Direct Deposit to:
PNCBANK
Account 8067095952
Zelle to Fritz Potier
(908) 966-4623
Odl contacts
Telephones:
(917) 257- 9742
(941) 260-1931
Email:
Address:
1 Valley DriveNanuet, NY 10954

