About BIRD

Why the BIRD is necessary and important

US Telecom CEO stated, we must lay lots(and lots) of fibers to build network infrastructure to reach universal connectivity

The Kathmandu Post, April 19, 2018: Nepal is eager to

implement remote education in rural areas.

ITU estimates that approximately 5.5 billion people are using the Internet in 2024. However, this leaves 2.6 billion people still offline.​​

Outline of the BIRD*

*Broadband Infrastructure for Rural-Area Digitalization

Solution BIRD was developed as a backhaul line, a trunk line that connects backbone lines to mobile base stations in remote areas. It is the ultimate broadband line that uses innovative optical fibre cables to easily, affordably, reliably, and quickly deploy high-speed Internet across harsh terrains such as mountains, jungles, deserts, lakes, and peatlands, not only in developed countries but also in poverty-stricken developing countries.

The concept of BIRD was conceived by Dr. Okamura in 2011 and its key requirements were rigorously discussed in ITU-T SG5 and SG15. These efforts culminated in the unprecedented set of ITU Recommendations explicitly dedicated to “bridging the digital divide”.

See the following ITU news:

  • ITU-T L.1700  (Economy first, best reliable connectivity, 2016)
  • ITU-T L.110 (Optical cables for direct surface application, 2017)
  • ITU-T L.163  (DIY installation of L.110 cables, 2018)

Details of the BIRD

A land-use optical cable based on submarine optical cable used in Solution BIRD. Up to 48 optical fibers are protected in a welded thick stainless steel tube. The cross sections of similar optical cables show “Japanese quality”.

Mr. Okamura being interviewed about Solution BIRD at WTSA2019