Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas. Study period 2018-2021
Geneva: ITU (2021), xiii, 90 pp.
"There is need for further studies focusing on access to broadband services and how emerging technologies can be used to transform rural and remote areas into digital economies.
There is no one-size-fits-all model for financing rural connectivity and engaging all stakeholders, but creating public-private partnerships (PPP) provides a workable solution.
Community networks are an important part of connectivity ecosystems, and they help bridge the digital divide.
While 4G is the predominant technology for connectivity in the world, a number of countries are turning to 5G for connectivity in rural areas.
The establishment of community telecentres or information centres is helping to achieve universal service for many countries and is key to attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ICT community information centres are useful in training communities to become ICT literate.
The principle of universal access has proven to be an essential development tool, and proper use of universal service/access funds offers a good opportunity for economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries." (Lessons learnt, page viii)
There is no one-size-fits-all model for financing rural connectivity and engaging all stakeholders, but creating public-private partnerships (PPP) provides a workable solution.
Community networks are an important part of connectivity ecosystems, and they help bridge the digital divide.
While 4G is the predominant technology for connectivity in the world, a number of countries are turning to 5G for connectivity in rural areas.
The establishment of community telecentres or information centres is helping to achieve universal service for many countries and is key to attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ICT community information centres are useful in training communities to become ICT literate.
The principle of universal access has proven to be an essential development tool, and proper use of universal service/access funds offers a good opportunity for economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries." (Lessons learnt, page viii)
1 Introduction, 1
2 ICT requirements of people living in rural and remote communities, 4
3 Available, affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions to connect rural and remote areas, 7
4 Demand, cost and financing mechanisms for connecting rural and remote areas, 11
5 Technologies to connect rural and remote areas, 19
6 Services and applications for rural and remote areas, 32
7 Knowledge development, capacity building and training for increased access, 38
8 Policies and regulations for telecommunications/ICT in rural and remote areas, 42
9 Conclusions and guidelines, 49
Annex 1: Case studies presented by Member States, Sector Members, Associates, Academia, and their regions, 55
Annex 2: Summary of the contents of case studies and input documents submitted during the study period, 62
Annex 3: Map of the global submarine cable network, 83
Annex 4: List of submarine cables (A-Y), 84
2 ICT requirements of people living in rural and remote communities, 4
3 Available, affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions to connect rural and remote areas, 7
4 Demand, cost and financing mechanisms for connecting rural and remote areas, 11
5 Technologies to connect rural and remote areas, 19
6 Services and applications for rural and remote areas, 32
7 Knowledge development, capacity building and training for increased access, 38
8 Policies and regulations for telecommunications/ICT in rural and remote areas, 42
9 Conclusions and guidelines, 49
Annex 1: Case studies presented by Member States, Sector Members, Associates, Academia, and their regions, 55
Annex 2: Summary of the contents of case studies and input documents submitted during the study period, 62
Annex 3: Map of the global submarine cable network, 83
Annex 4: List of submarine cables (A-Y), 84
