In many developing countries of the world, both voice and data communications are severely limited or unreliable.Because of their remoteness, many locations are not serviced by phone lines. In other areas, conflicts or natural disasters have destroyed the infrastructure. In many areas, the supply of electricity is severely limited or intermittent at best. In numerous isolated regions, climatic conditions do not favor the use of some of the wireless technologies that work well elsewhere.
Yet in all such challenging situations, MAF brings appropriate technology to deliver reliable and affordable communications to frontline workers.
In some locales, MAF utilizes HF/VHF (High Frequency and Very High Frequency) radios for e-mail communications. The availability of higher throughput connections allows a large number of MAF users to collaborate effectively with colleagues around the world. MAF VSAT (high-speed Internet connections via broadband satellite) brings e-mail, fax, and voice communications wherever people minister. No place on earth is out of reach. Teams can work effectively even when separated by continents.
In many developing nations where MAF ministers, cellular phones are actually leapfrogging telephone systems used in the West. MAF is helping to leverage GSM and GPRS cell phone networks to provide personal, mobile voice and data communications. Far from being a luxury, such services multiply the
effectiveness of the resources available in the mission field.
Never before has the global Christian community been so well connected. As for that "last mile" of needed connectivity beyond the wired world, MAF deploys a whole range of proven solutions for individuals, hospitals, schools, seminaries, and mission centers. Any indigenous church leader, isolated missionary, or development worker can subscribe to MAF communications services.
An overview of some of the technologies that MAF can deploy and the advice it offers are available on its communications resource website at www.maflink.org.
In situations when private data information is a must, MAFLink® overcomes communication barriers by providing e-mail privacy and other data security tools.