Mouna Berrahou

In a recent yoga retreat, I was asked about my contribution to the world that we live in. My first thought went to all the positivity and support I could offer my community; I thought of the way I wanted to raise my children to become better, responsible citizens that can ultimately contribute -in their turn- with their unique skills and talents to help make the world a better place. Back to work the following week, I came to the realization that, by helping clients invest in an iBwave solution to design a robust and reliable indoor wireless communication infrastructure, I was also contributing to the world, but in a different way. Let me explain.

A few months ago, I worked with a renowned mining client on a project to establish a wireless system (based on LTE, IoT and LoRA) in their various underground mines to help automate some of the dangerous manual processes, improve site safety, and ensure that critical communications are available for mining rescuers in case of a disaster. In recent years, wireless communication has become indispensable in mines as wired systems are often unable to withstand disasters. Throughout the project, I educated myself on the mineral extraction processes and the dangers/challenges mining workers are subjected to on the job. Many unfortunately even lose their lives on duty because rescue workers cannot locate or reach them on time. I was relieved that with the technological advancements and new emerging spectrum bands, we were allowing for that to change, by enabling critical communications that allow access to real-time voice, video and data communications, asset monitoring, and particularly a live feed and continuous connectivity to people and equipment that are in constant movement. Through these robust and reliable wireless communication infrastructures, mines were setting the ground for automation and autonomous operation, effective communication with people and machines, and, most-importantly, maintaining connectivity with first responders so they can have “eyes and ears underneath the earth” to save workers’ lives.  I like to think that each life-saved could very-well be an indirect result of my miniscule, yet extremely gratifying, contribution to this world!