Public Funding for Mode Black Ltd

Mode Black is developing compact Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) transceivers that offer a cost-effective solution to internet backhaul for companies with space constraints on their telecommunications towers. By enabling higher levels of internet distribution from any given fibre point of presence, the technology will help to bridge the digital divide and provide internet access to millions more people worldwide, especially those in low income countries. Currently large transceiver device sizes and minimum device spacing (to minimise radio interference issues) limit the ability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to use their available tower space and establish new backhaul links. With compact devices that don't have interference issues or licensing requirements, ISPs will be able to grow their network faster and more efficiently. About 35% of the global population lacks internet access, with full fibre deployment and satellite-based transmission proving too costly or limited. Mode Black's solution uses a novel optics technology on both the receive and transmit side, which enables a new compact FSOC transceiver form factor. Devices can be mounted five times more densely on a mast, enabling 10s more backhaul links and thousands more end customers to be served from a single location. The market opportunity is large, with an estimated total addressable market size of $1.3 billion for FSOC backhaul devices. Mode Black's technology promises short payback periods, even in low-income countries, with returns anticipated in under a year. A South African company, for instance, has stated an interest in purchasing 1,200 Mode Black FSOC devices, when available, to provide internet services to 15 new municipalities and 820,000 households. The technology, to be adapted from existing modules developed for military applications, will be developed and tested in three work packages, with the goal of producing an optical link prototype that fits into a highly compact form factor (20cmx15cmx5cm). The link will have full duplex capabilities, range greater than 500m, and is eye-safe with a power output of less than 10 mW at 1550 nm.