The Vodafone Foundation has restored free Wi-Fi at Kara Tepe, a UNHCR refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, giving the residents reliable internet to connect with loved ones, access online information, and continue their education.
Connectivity is essential
Kara Tepe is run by UNHCR, the local municipality, and NGOs. It shelters up to 3,000 people who have arrived from Turkey. Most residents are families and single men waiting for their journey to continue through Europe.
Several years ago, Vodafone Foundation installed free Wi-Fi at the site and has been maintaining it ever since. Rob Ash, from the foundation's Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) team, says: “With the Greek sun beating down on the equipment every day, the access points and radios need regular care and attention. Connectivity is essential.” One resident, Ngina, told us she relies on free Wi-Fi every day. Her children study on her phone and she uses it to call her friends and family. “I don’t have any money,” Ngina says, “so this Wi-Fi is the only way I can be online.”
Restoring the site's Wi-Fi
Kara Tepe recently lost its internet connection due to a power outage that affected an external supplier. To restore it, the team collaborated with the nearby volunteer initiative “Because We Carry” (BWC), which supports mothers and children fleeing conflict. the run. BWC also uses Vodafone Foundation Wi-Fi equipment with a Starlink connection. * Since internet usage at BWC is lower, the INER team moved the satellite terminal to Kara Tepe. BWC is now connected via a new, point-to-point, radio link.
Rob Ash explains: "Our team arrived the night before. We first built the radio connection to minimize downtime for both locations and then moved the Starlink terminal. We attached the radio to an existing pole, pulled the cable through a conduit, and connected everything to the switch. So far, the plan was going smoothly. However, we encountered a challenge at BWC.” He continues: “We needed a 6-meter-high pole to ensure the necessary direct line of sight between the locations. Fortunately, we found one at a local wholesaler. After a few trips back and forth, we had the right materials and were able to optimize the radio connection."
With the new link in place, the team quickly moved the satellite terminal to Kara Tepe. Both locations were back online within minutes, with stronger, more reliable connections.
Making a difference
The connection in Kara Tepe has been restored, BWC still has Wi-Fi, and can make emergency calls through a dedicated radio connection. Ash explains: “Wi-Fi really makes a world of difference for refugees. It helps them stay in touch with loved ones, access news, and continue their education. Seeing first-hand how much free Wi-Fi means to people in such challenging situations reminds us why this work matters — and why we continue to return.”
Vodafone Foundation
Since 2002, the Dutch Vodafone Foundation has been using technology to support people in vulnerable situations. As an independent organization, it is part of a global network of multiple Vodafone Foundations. This network allows us to respond quickly to local needs in health, education, and disaster relief wherever Vodafone operates. Read more about our international activities.
*Starlink is a satellite internet provider that delivers fast internet to remote and rural areas. It offers a reliable connection where little or no internet is available. People worldwide use Starlink for education, healthcare, and communication in emergencies.