Tekniam in Edición 270 Tecnología e Inteligencia Artificial, Revista El Congreso, a Colombia-based magazine 
 

TEKNIAM: INNOVATION AND CONNECTIVITY IN A SINGLE DEVICE

 

The story of Tekniam is a testament to innovation and commitment. Under Andrew Heaton's leadership, the company has positioned itself as one of the top 10 companies in Colorado. Since its founding, Tekniam has developed technologies that enable connectivity in areas where traditional solutions, like fiber optics and satellite antennas, are less effective.

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Andrew Heaton, an American entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the tech market, was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Denver, Colorado. Growing up in a remote area with limited connectivity and internet access challenges, he developed a deep interest in telecommunications. This curiosity grew during his travels, where he recognized the global urgency for connectivity services. Motivated by this experience, Heaton became the CEO of Tekniam, a company established in 2021 with the dream of “bringing Wi-Fi to the world.” The company specializes in providing connectivity to hard-to-reach areas and offering this resource as a first response in emergencies, using 100% American technology.

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The need for internet access as part of a globalized world is a significant challenge, especially for remote areas far from large metropolitan areas, not only globally but particularly in countries like Colombia. “Imagine going to Colombia’s La Guajira, to a Wuayuú community that has never had Wi-Fi access. How much would it cost to bring them internet?” Providing connectivity to such places often involves costly, complex processes, like building large power towers that take months to complete or satellite connections that may not meet all the local needs. However, Tekniam’s CEO states: “Our technology allows us to pack four boxes in a truck, head to La Guajira, and, in just 15 minutes, install a system that provides internet to an entire community.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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“I know what it's like to live without a connection, so for me, bringing Wi-Fi to everyone is a personal challenge,” Heaton adds. To make this vision a reality, Heaton teamed up with Jamie Gilbert, the company’s CTO, to design an initial concept that started as a simple sketch. With dedication from the engineering team, they developed the first functional prototype. After four and a half years of development, Tekniam received FCC approval three years ago, enabling them to start selling in the United States and internationally.

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Easy Connectivity Solutions

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Tekniam initially sought to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela by offering communication solutions to indigenous communities affected by the country’s violent political regime. Following this initiative, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for internet access for U.S. children and other nomadic communities grew. This context led to the development of a more compact solution. “Initially, it was a 25-kilogram device, but now it’s only a 2-kilogram, super-portable unit,” says Heaton. Thanks to this innovation, many young people in the U.S. could stay connected and participate in their regular classes. The device’s design is intuitive, resembling a Lego-like system, allowing anyone to easily set it up without technical expertise.

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Efficiency, Affordability, and Infrastructure

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Tekniam stands out for its ability to offer unique, affordable telecommunications solutions. “Our system costs only 10% of traditional fiber optic or satellite solutions,” the company explains. Additionally, the connection speed Tekniam offers surpasses current 5G networks, guaranteeing stable signals even in adverse conditions. “No one else offers this; we have 10 patents on our technology, with more on the way,” says Heaton.

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One standout feature of Tekniam’s device is its mesh structure, enabling small antennas to connect. This means that if one fails, the others compensate, ensuring connection stability, particularly in disaster-prone areas. The infrastructure needed for Tekniam’s technology is minimal, requiring only a power source, which can even be provided by solar panels if necessary. This design allows the device to operate in any environment, from deserts to mountains.

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Dual Connectivity: Innovating in Critical Situations

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A fascinating aspect of Tekniam’s technology is its ability to provide multiple networks through a single device. “For the National Police, we can provide a solution with two separate networks: one for official use, ensuring full security, and another open for the community to access platforms like Facebook and Instagram.”

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In the U.S., Tekniam has established partnerships with emergency agencies, including the military and rescue services, enabling quick internet access during crises. This flexibility is essential not only for daily operations but also for emergency scenarios. For instance, after a natural disaster, the same device can create a network for response teams (civil defense, police, military) and a separate network for survivors to connect with family.

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Environmentally Friendly Technology

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A typical cell tower in Colombia uses 50,000 watts to provide internet, but Tekniam’s technology operates at only 8 watts per device. This design not only facilitates installation across various terrains but also minimizes radiation. “It was designed to be the most environmentally friendly telecommunications solution,” says Heaton, reflecting Tekniam’s commitment to connectivity that respects and protects nature.

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Advances and Challenges in Colombia

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“Internet in remote areas is expensive. The solution we’re offering in the United States is the same we want to implement in Colombia,” Heaton states. His vision goes beyond mere connectivity, emphasizing education. “We want every child, regardless of location, to have access to the information they need to grow,” says Heaton, expressing a desire to empower communities through knowledge. Tekniam has already begun discussions with Colombia’s Ministry of ICT and recently signed an MOU with the Colombian government for pilot projects in rural communities.

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Connectivity for All in Less Than a Year

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Andrew Heaton concludes with a clear message: “Covering all of Colombia with internet would take 10 to 20 years, but with Tekniam, we could do it in six months to a year.” This optimism reflects his commitment to Tekniam’s mission. “We can’t allow another generation of children aged 5 to 20 to grow up without internet access when we could connect them in the next year,” he emphasizes. Tekniam is determined to close the digital divide in Colombia and other regions worldwide.