For the stakes related to costs, profitability, obstacles in harsh environments and hard-to-reach locations, to name a few, the access to broadband internet access in the rural areas has always been a challenging enterprise. These realities increase digital divide as the world ramps up to 4G LTE and 5G.
However,
through the wireless backhaul options including
sub-6 GHz, as best for its flexibility to overcome obstacles in harsh
environments and hard-to-reach locations, mobile operators can bring peace in
minds.
Beyond challenges related to cost and latency setbacks, Satellite systems can
be a good alternative, as their global coverage makes them accessible to a
wider range of applications, including isolated locations, moving vehicles, and
temporary deployments.
On the other verge, ABI Research predicts that advancements in
small cell and wireless backhaul technologies can lower total cost of
ownerships (TCOs), attract stakeholders, and avoid widening the urban versus
rural digital divide.
“Small cells eliminate the need for macro deployments and cut the cost
of equipment and installation in rural areas. Adopting features like mobile
edge computing and local applications can improve the quality of service for
customers and the ROI for operators,” says Ahmed Ali, Senior Analyst at ABI
Research.
ABI Research forecasts the cumulative sub-6 GHz rural small cell
backhaul links through 2020 will dominate with 46% of total links deployed,
followed by microwave and satellite.