Quectel has been supplying modules and antennas to Jangala, a UK technology charity developing open-source connectivity solutions for people without reliable internet access, for over seven years. The charity’s Big Box and Get Box technologies have already connected more than 175,000 people across 38 countries, and the company is now preparing to scale up further. Jangala’s Big Box provides powerful Wi-Fi that can be deployed without networking expertise to support over 200 devices, with external access points enabling networks serving thousands.

Typical applications include humanitarian and disaster response, education and digital inclusion for emergency services, non-government organizations (NGOs), local authorities, and community services. Big Box has been used for projects ranging from connecting schools to supporting rescue teams following the Turkey-Syria earthquake. The product combines 4G, 5G, satellite, and other internet sources with high-capacity Wi-Fi in a rugged, easy-to-deploy device. It can operate off-grid and is remotely monitored through Jangala’s open-source cloud platform.

Big Box uses the Quectel RM520N-GL 5G and EG25-G 4G/LTE modules. Together they provide high-performance, cost-effective cellular connectivity across a wide range of networks and locations. In addition, Quectel has supported Jangala with antenna selection, integration advice, and custom antenna cable lengths for the Big Box enclosure.

Overcoming the technical challenges of providing humanitarian connectivity

“Integrating 4G and 5G into a compact, rugged enclosure created radiofrequency (RF) and antenna challenges,” explains Samson Rinaldi, the Head of Hardware and Manufacturing and a Co-Founder of Jangala. “Quectel has provided technical support allowing us to optimise antenna positioning within the enclosure while meeting the mechanical requirements of the product. This support has been particularly valuable as we move towards certification and production.”

Jangala selected Quectel because of the strong cellular performance and global compatibility of its modules, the broad 4G and 5G options in the Quectel portfolio, the highly responsive technical support, and the competitive cost.

The Quectel RM520N-GL is a 5G New Radio (NR) Sub-6GHz module which supports both 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA). Available in M.2 form factor, it has dimensions of 30mm x 52mm x 2.3mm and offers SA data rates of 2.4Gbps downlink and 900Mbps uplink. In NSA mode, it offers data rates of 3.4Gbps downlink and 550Mbps uplink. This industrial-grade module operates in an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

The Quectel EG25-G is an LTE Cat 4 module that offers maximum data rates of 150Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink. With dimensions of 29.0mm x 32.0mm x 2.4mm and a weight of 4.9g, the module boasts LGA form factor and operates in an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

“Our relationship with Jangala is a great example of how technology partnerships can create meaningful impact. Over the past seven years, we’ve worked closely with their team, providing our RM520N-GL 5G NR and EG25-G 4G/LTE Cat 4 modules, along with technical expertise, to support the development and deployment of their Big Box and Get Box solutions”, says Natasha Barrios, Sales Senior Vice President for EMEA at Quectel Wireless Solutions. “As Jangala continues to scale, we’re proud to play a role in helping bring reliable connectivity to communities where it’s needed most.”