Wireless broadband technologies for regional and rural Australia

Abstract

The deployment of wireless broadband networks to deliver high-speed broadband services to regional and rural Australia is increasingly being examined as a viable alternative to the deployment of wired technology. Whilst last-mile connectivity (i.e. the connection which links the enduser to the network backbone) can be very expensive for carriage service providers deploying wired technology, the deployment of wireless technologies, typically characterised by lower capital and operational costs, can provide a more effective solution to the connectivity problems presently experienced by these remote demographics. It is recognised that the provision of high speed broadband is critical to communities in regional and rural areas as it serves to expand economic capacity and stimulate commerce. However, accessibility and availability of broadband networks are generally lower in rural areas than the urban areas in both developed and developing countries due to low population density and poor economies of scale. Recent developments in wireless network technology however have the potential to provide access to broadband technology in regional and rural communities at reasonable cost. Hence, wireless technology has the potential to empower local communities and expand economic capacity and commerce in regional and rural areas. The central purpose of this paper is to explore the alternatives presently available for the deployment of wireless broadband networks for regional and rural Australia. The alternative technologies will be analysed in terms of data rates and coverage distance in order to determine the best possible last-mile wireless connectivity solution for regional and rural Australia. The paper begins with an analysis of the broadband networks and services presently prevailing in Australia. This discussion is followed by an analysis of the motivation for the provision of wireless broadband networks in remote and rural areas in the country and the available technology options. Building upon these findings whilst allowing for geographical and radio propagation uncertainties at this stage in some regional and remote areas of Australia, the paper outlines certain recommendations as to suitable last-mile technologies to support connectivity for such areas. The proposals are based both on appropriate technology and identified economic drivers of broadband deployment.