Closing Connectivity Gap: An Overview of Mobile Coverage Solutions for Not-Spots in Rural Zones

Area of Science:

• Telecommunications Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Internet Governance

Background:

• Broadband internet access is a global priority for governments and regulatory bodies.
• Rural and low-income areas often lack adequate internet coverage, leading to digital inequality.
• The concept of a connected society necessitates improved internet accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel platforms for delivering broadband services to remote and low-income regions.
• To evaluate the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), altitude platforms (APs), and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• To support the hypothesis of a connected and accessible world through technological solutions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of broadband delivery strategies.
• Analysis of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for internet service provision.
• Examination of altitude platforms (APs) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for connectivity.
• Assessment of technological feasibility and potential impact on digital inclusion.

Main Results:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) demonstrate significant potential due to their maneuverability in addressing rural coverage gaps.
• Altitude platforms (APs) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites present viable alternatives for expanding broadband reach.
• These technologies collectively offer promising avenues to overcome infrastructure limitations in underserved areas.

Conclusions:

• UAVs, APs, and LEO satellites are key technologies for achieving global broadband accessibility.
• Efficient deployment of these platforms can mitigate digital disparities and foster a connected society.
• Further research and development are crucial for optimizing these solutions for widespread adoption.