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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction:
2.0 Overview of Universal Access
2.1 Some Universal Access models
3.0 Why WiMAX
4.0 The Importance of Private Entrepreneurs in the Development of WiMAX Telecenters
5.0 Conclusion/The Expected Market Outcomes
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper examines the challenges of achieving universal telecommunication access in rural and non-commercially viable areas. It proposes a conceptual framework that utilizes WiMAX technology within community-based telecenters, operated by local entrepreneurs and partially financed by Universal Access and Service Funds, to overcome deployment cost barriers and foster local economic growth.
- Overcoming high deployment costs in rural telecommunications.
- Evaluation of Universal Access and Service funding models.
- Technical and economic advantages of WiMAX versus traditional 2G/3G infrastructure.
- The role of private entrepreneurship in sustainable telecenter management.
- Developing strategies for rural broadband penetration in developing countries.
Excerpt from the Publication
Proposed Concept
This section on the overview of universal Access has identified the role of market based reforms, Universal Access Funds and telecenter initiatives etc. in the expansion of the telecommunications market which should eventually result in Universal Access. As mentioned in the introductory part of this paper, several attempts at using these models to generate competition in the market haven’t been effective in non-commercial viable areas. Hence certain question has to be asked:
(1) What is the main reason major telecom company avoid rural areas?
(2) What technologies are being deployed at the moment?
(3) Are there cheaper and more efficient technologies than what is deployed presently that would lead to the reduction in the cost of deployment?
(4) What market intervention is needed to make the cost of deploying the cheaper technology cheaper to deploy?
(5) Who are the stakeholders needed to deploy this cheap technology?
(6) What relationship should exist between the stakeholders to enable the framework to hold?
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter contextualizes telecommunications as a public good and discusses the historical evolution of policies aimed at achieving Universal Access and Universal Service, noting the limitations of previous market liberalizations in rural regions.
2.0 Overview of Universal Access: This section reviews existing regulatory models for Universal Access, including market-based reforms, universal access funds, access deficit charges, universal service obligations, cross-subsidization, and telecenter initiatives.
3.0 Why WiMAX: This chapter defines WiMAX technology and evaluates its suitability for rural deployment, specifically comparing its bandwidth, coverage, and cost-efficiency against traditional broadband alternatives like HSPA and Wi-Fi.
4.0 The Importance of Private Entrepreneurs in the Development of WiMAX Telecenters: This section justifies the involvement of private local entrepreneurs in managing telecenters, highlighting their superior incentive structure and ability to foster innovation compared to government-led initiatives.
5.0 Conclusion/The Expected Market Outcomes: The final chapter summarizes the potential impact of the proposed framework, emphasizing that private sector management and lower-cost technology can bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Keywords
Universal Access, Universal Service, Telecommunications, WiMAX, Telecentres, Policy, Broadband, ICT, Private Entrepreneurship, Rural Development, Market Liberalization, Digital Divide, Infrastructure Deployment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores how to improve access to telecommunication services in rural and non-commercially viable areas by leveraging WiMAX technology and private entrepreneurship.
Which central themes are discussed in the work?
The work covers regulatory policy, the economics of telecommunication infrastructure, the technical advantages of WiMAX, and the role of sustainable business models for telecenters.
What is the primary research question?
The research investigates how Universal Access Funds can be redirected as seed money for local entrepreneurs to deploy WiMAX-enabled telecenters, thereby solving the cost barriers for rural connectivity.
Which scientific or analytical method does the author use?
The author employs a conceptual research approach, synthesizing existing literature on universal access models and comparing technical data of broadband technologies to propose a new deployment framework.
What content is addressed in the main body of the paper?
The main body evaluates various universal access models, details the technical capabilities of WiMAX compared to 2G/3G/HSPA, and outlines the rationale for private sector involvement in telecenter operations.
How can one define the most important keywords for this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as Universal Access, WiMAX, Telecentres, and Rural Development, which define the intersection of technology, finance, and policy.
Why does the author advocate for WiMAX over other technologies?
WiMAX is presented as a cheaper, more efficient alternative for "last mile" broadband access, offering superior coverage and bandwidth for rural settings compared to traditional fixed-line or cellular infrastructure.
What distinguishes the proposed telecenter model from previous government-led initiatives?
The proposed model shifts the focus to private entrepreneurship, where local business owners are empowered by seed funding from Universal Access and Service Funds, rather than direct state operation of the facilities.
- 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
