SONIC: Connect the Unconnected via FM Radio & SMS

TL;DR

SONIC is a novel connectivity approach that leverages existing AM/FM radio infrastructure to provide access to pre-rendered webpages, aiming to bridge the digital divide in developing countries.

Contribution

It introduces a new method that repurposes radio networks for internet access by delivering pre-rendered content via sound, addressing cost and accessibility issues.

Findings

Radio networks reach 70% of the world, including developing regions.

SONIC's proof of concept shows promising initial results.

Utilizes broadcast nature of radio for efficient content delivery.

Abstract

As of 2022, about 2.78 billion people in developing countries do not have access to the Internet. Lack of Internet access hinders economic growth, educational opportunities, and access to information and services. Recent initiatives to ``connect the unconnected'' have either failed (project Loon and Aquila) or are characterized by exorbitant costs (Starlink and similar), which are unsustainable for users in developing regions. This paper proposes SONIC, a novel connectivity solution that repurposes a widespread communication infrastructure (AM/FM radio) to deliver access to pre-rendered webpages. Our rationale is threefold: 1) the radio network is widely accessible -- currently reaching 70% of the world -- even in developing countries, 2) unused frequencies are highly available, 3) while data over sound can be slow, when combined with the radio network, it takes advantage of its broadcast nature, efficiently reaching a large number of users. We have designed and built a proof of concept of SONIC which shows encouraging initial results.