The quest to attain Universal Access and Service in the telecommunication sector is hampered mostly by the high cost of deploying telecom networks in rural areas and Non-commercial viable areas. This paper discusses how the use of WiMAX as an alternative technology, transmitted by small network operators in rural areas using telecenters as the WiMAX base stations can help in reducing the cost of deploying a telecom network as well as enable rural dwellers to afford the service by either using the telecentres of access the service remotely via Customer Premise Equipment. This is a conceptual paper based on an on-going research at CMI, Aalborg University Copenhagen on developing a Public Private Partnership framework for deploying telecommunication services in rural areas.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction:
- 2.0 Overview of Universal Access
- 2.1 Some Universal Access models
- Market based reforms
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the use of WiMAX technology in rural areas as a means to address the challenge of high deployment costs for telecommunications networks. The paper investigates the potential of WiMAX-enabled telecenters, financed in part by Universal Access Funds, as a solution to provide affordable and accessible telecommunication services to rural communities.
- Universal Access and Universal Service
- Deployment Costs of Telecom Networks
- WiMAX Technology
- Telecentres as a Solution
- Public Private Partnership
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides an overview of the challenges in achieving Universal Access and Service in the telecommunication sector, particularly in rural areas. It highlights the role of government initiatives and policy interventions in promoting telecommunications infrastructure and service availability. The paper focuses on the importance of addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing telecommunication services, particularly in developing countries.
The chapter on Universal Access provides an overview of different models employed by telecom regulatory bodies and Universal Access and Service funds to achieve universal access. The chapter reviews market-based reforms as a means to expand telecommunication services, including privatization, promotion of access via competition, rate balancing, and government support for national backbone development.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the text include Universal Access, Universal Service, Telecommunications, WiMAX, Telecentres, Policy, Rural Development, Public Private Partnership, and ICT for Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Universal Access" in telecommunications?
Universal Access refers to the goal of making telecommunication services available and affordable to all members of a population, regardless of their location.
Why is WiMAX suitable for rural areas?
WiMAX technology can cover large distances with relatively low infrastructure costs compared to traditional wired networks, making it ideal for sparsely populated regions.
How do Universal Access Funds (UAF) work?
UAFs are government-managed funds, often financed by contributions from telecom operators, used to subsidize the expansion of networks into non-commercially viable areas.
What is the role of telecenters in this model?
Telecenters act as WiMAX base stations and community hubs where rural dwellers can access the internet and other ICT services locally.
What is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in this context?
A PPP involves collaboration between the government (providing funds/policy) and private operators (providing technology/management) to deploy services efficiently.
- Quote paper
- Idongesit Williams (Author), 2012, Enabling the Universal Access of telecommunication services through the development of private WiMAX telecenters in rural areas enabled by Universal Access Funds, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/188398
