Optimised broadband Internet access solutions for digital inclusion of small rural communities

In this paper, wireless deployment scenarios for network operators delivering broadband Internet access in underserved rural areas lacking adequate basic PSTN network infrastructure are examined. Considering the defined operators' broadband coverage targets, the existing national regulatory demands and the EU initiatives engaged in a Digital divide reduction, further deployment of broadband access solutions in underserved rural communities is required. The conducted analyses in this paper prove that the implementation of small cells represents an adequate techno-economic solution for providing broadband access in underserved low populated rural areas lacking PSTN network infrastructure. Furthermore, several access solutions for deploying small cell networks in these areas are analysed. Finally, critical aspects of the analysed small cell scenarios' business cases are defined.