A Twin Approach to Internet Service Provision in Sparse Rural Community in Nigeria

Abstract

Today Internet is the tool that provides the fastest and latest information on what goes on around including Nigeria. In Nigeria, most of the rural areas are still lagging behind in the area of Internet provision. This work focuses on the provision of Internet services to a sparse rural community based on the apprehension of the people of the rural settlement in Nigeria, taking Ake-Ihievbu sparse rural community as a case study. It explores the various methodologies that are used in providing internet services and fashion out model that will be best suited for sparse rural communities with emphasis on affordability to the people and profit margin returns to the providers. This model is in two parts; Fixed and cellular wireless. Fixed wireless involves the use of Very Small Aperture Technology (VSAT), Fixed Wireless and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technologies, to allow the Internet Service Providers to redistribute the internet service around the settlement and allowing the indigenes to access it via their personal computers using wireless radio signal. The use of Fixed Wireless and Local Area Network (LAN) technologies to redistribute it to cyber cafes, for those whose cannot afford to own a personal computer is also presented. Cellular technologies involve the use of cellular mobile technologies like Global system for Mobile Communications (GSM) to provide Internet services to the community. Considering the cost of building base stations for cellular mobiles, the possibility of government and corporate organizations partnering with GSM operators to reduce the cost, thereby providing affordable Internet access for the rural dwellers is also presented. The provision of Internet to the rural communities in Nigeria will be greatly overcome, if the models presented here are strictly adhered to.