Bridging NextG Network Connectivity Induced Digital Divide with Sustainable ICT

Next-Generation (NextG) wireless networks could widen the digital divide if not deployed equitably. Without intentional planning and provisioning of services from the network service providers and government, underserved and marginalized communities could be left behind, exacerbating pre-existing societal inequalities further in the digital domain. To address this societal problem, we propose a data-driven solution that prioritizes the installation of micro edge data centers, a key component of NextG networks, in socio-economically distressed neighborhoods within an urban area. Leveraging publicly available open 311 data as an indirect measurement approach, we demonstrate that public from these geographic localities possess the digital literacy skills needed to benefit from faster internet connectivity. Further, to improve the sustainability of micro edge data centers we propose powering them with solar powered nano-electrical grids. This approach is cost-effective for providers, as cost of buildings and housings in geographic regions having lower socio-economic conditions are smaller compared with other localities. In addition, we discuss the cost of deployment for these sustainable information and communication technology (ICTs) too. We demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed solution approach through a case study based on city of Pittsburgh.