A Survey of 5G for Rural Broadband Connectivity

At least two billion people today are lacking wireless cellular network coverage since they live in rural and remote areas in the world that are either under or un served by mobile telecommunications operators. As a result, people in these areas do not get to enjoy the benefits that come along with mobile digital connectivity. Mobile operators are constrained by the low Return on Investment (RoI) that the sparce and low-income population in rural and low-income areas presents. This paper identifies 5G networks as a solution to providing rural broadband connectivity using the sub- 6 band. Some applications of 5G rural broadband are analysed including agriculture, e-health and e- education. This paper finally presents the challenges that are associated with 5G technology in rural areas and some of the sustainable approaches that can be considered to overcome these hinderances.