Broadband Connectivity Research Articles

EXPANDING RURAL BROADBAND IN AMERICA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Access to high-speed broadband has emerged as a critical enabler of economic growth, education, healthcare delivery, and overall quality of life in the United States. Despite its transformative potential, rural areas continue to face significant challenges in accessing reliable and affordable internet services, leaving millions of residents underserved or completely disconnected. This disparity exacerbates the digital divide, creating economic, educational, and social inequities that hinder community development and individual opportunity. This paper delves into the current state of rural broadband access in the U.S., exploring the multifaceted economic and social consequences of inadequate connectivity. It examines the structural, financial, and technological barriers that impede broadband infrastructure deployment in rural regions. Through an in-depth review of peer-reviewed research, government policy reports, and case studies, the paper identifies best practices for expanding rural broadband access, focusing on innovative solutions such as community-led initiatives, strategic public-private partnerships, and federal funding programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. Additionally, the paper offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities aiming to bridge the rural broadband gap. These include fostering sustainable funding models, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and leveraging emerging technologies to address coverage challenges. By emphasizing the importance of inclusive and equitable broadband expansion, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on reducing digital disparities and achieving universal connectivity in the United States. KEY WORDS: Broadband connectivity, rural economic development, Education, Healthcare, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)

Social Determinants of Sepsis Mortality in the United States: A Retrospective, Epidemiologic Analysis.

To determine whether neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDoH) influence mortality following sepsis in the United States. Retrospective analysis of data from 4.4 million hospitalized patients diagnosed with sepsis, identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes, across the United States. De-identified, aggregated data were sourced from the TriNetX Diamond Network. SDoH variables included income, housing cost burden, broadband access, park proximity, racial/ethnic diversity, and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). The primary outcome was mortality, assessed using univariate and multivariate binomial generalized linear models. Predictors with high multicollinearity (Variance Inflation Factor > 5) were excluded to enhance model stability. Lower median income, higher ADI scores, limited park access, and lack of broadband connectivity were strongly associated with increased sepsis mortality. Unexpectedly, greater racial/ethnic diversity was negatively associated with mortality, possibly reflecting regional disparities in healthcare access and socioeconomic conditions. Multivariate analyses revealed that the inclusion of SDoH variables attenuated some effects observed in univariate models, highlighting their complex interplay. Random Forest analysis identified park access as the most important predictor of sepsis mortality, emphasizing its role as a potential proxy for broader neighborhood resources. Neighborhood-level SDoH are critical for risk stratification in sepsis prognostic models and should be systematically integrated into predictive frameworks. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to address social vulnerabilities, enhance access to green spaces, and reduce disparities in sepsis outcomes across diverse populations.

“Exploring adoption of Connected TV for OTT Streaming – A Synthesis of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT)”

The study aims to explore the factors that affect the use of Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services on Connected TVs. Customers have started using OTT streaming along with DTH (Direct to Home) and Cable Network. Connected TVs have become an essential part of Indian households due to their affordability and improved internet accessibility. The emergence of OTT streaming platforms has contributed to the increased market presence of connected TVs in India. Additionally, there has been significant development in internet infrastructure, such as broadband connectivity and the transition to 5G mobile technology, which has enabled connected TV users to access a variety of streaming content worldwide. The study also focuses on the adoption and usage of OTT streaming on Connected TV/Smart TVs, given the rising popularity of OTT content.

Exploring Digital Stress of Finnish Adolescents and Their Parents.

The way people communicate has significantly changed due to technological advances and penetration of cell phones and broadband connection into everyday activities. Nowadays, individuals are constantly connected through the Internet. This influences social experiences, self and social identity, and can cause digital stress, which often leads to negative emotions, psychosomatic outcomes, and diseases. It is a matter of concern for the adolescents and their families. This paper investigates how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and social media influence adolescents' and parents' digital stress and anxiety. Based on two digital stressors scales, a 30-item questionnaire was created. A quantitative analysis of data deriving from 164 Finnish adolescents and 53 of their parents regarding digital stress was conducted. "Privacy Intrusion", "Availability stress/Online vigilance", and "Usefulness" were the most essential stressor factors for both students and parents. Additionally, the most significant stressor factors for students were the "Fear of Missing Out/FoMO" and "Approval Anxiety" factors while for parents were the "Safety/Security" and "Technical Support" factors. No significant differences were observed between the overall digital stress of adolescents and parents. In contrast to the existing literature, no connection between "Connection (Information) Overload" and digital stress was found. This paper contributes to debates regarding the effects of the use of digital resources, ICTs, and social media on processes at school, at work, and at home. The findings of our study confirm and further validate those of previous studies with the exception of "Connection (Information) Overload", which needs to be further investigated to understand the reasons behind it.

A Survey of Phase Shifters for Microwave Phased Array Systems

ABSTRACTPhased Array Systems (PASs) are extensively used in radar and telecommunication systems for diverse applications, including military surveillance and wireless broadband communication. Besides, they are becoming increasingly indispensable in modern applications such as multi‐function phased array radars for weather monitoring and aircraft tracking or high‐throughput satellite systems, which aim to provide fast broadband connectivity in remote areas. Despite the numerous advantages of phased array systems with RF phase shift, including high signal‐to‐noise and signal‐to‐interference ratios, as well as low complexity, they present a few limitations, including high cost and large chip areas. The cost and size of PASs are mainly dependent on the RF phase shifters, which are essential to their operation. This article describes the different types of phase shifters (mechanical, ferromagnetic/magnetic, electromechanical, and electronic). It compares their performance metrics, highlighting that electronic phase shifters are the most common type used in modern PASs. In this regard, a comparative study of different subcategories of electronic phase shifters, such as the switched‐type, reflective‐type, loaded‐transmission line, and vector‐sum phase shifters, are explored along with their advantages, drawbacks and state‐of‐art techniques used to address their limitations. Therefore, this article may serve as a reference for research milestones on RF phase shifters.

Introduction to the Transformative Potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in East Africa

The internet of things (IoT) has emerged as a global transformational force, connecting physical devices and transmitting data remotely over the internet. In East Africa, this shift has the potential to bring socio-economic development by solving local challenges. The region-specific topics are mentioned here. Various diverse economies and cultures within the region have already started to use IoT in agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. This abstract primarily focuses on presenting the key concepts, challenges, and opportunities associated with IoT networking in East Africa. The author highlights the potential of IoT in addressing social issues and promoting sustainable growth. The study examines the networking aspects of IoT, the social and economic factors that influence its adoption, state policies, financial incentives, and the role of public-private partnerships. This study likely takes into account network infrastructure, which includes broadband connectivity and emerging buzzwords such as LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, and also discusses the obstacles associated with these technologies. This study investigates emerging buzzwords such as LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, as well as the challenges associated with these technologies. This study unveils the role of IoT in East Africa, highlighting its usefulness in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, and utilities. It highlights its role in combating various issues, enhancing productivity, and promoting inclusivity. It addresses various issues and contributes to boosting access, productivity, and inclusive growth. We utilised relevant published data (2004–2014) from diverse, reliable databases. Therefore, policymakers must emphasise the need for broad IoT policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and inter-sectoral coordination to fully leverage the IoT opportunities for the sustainable development of East Africa. Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT), East Africa, socio-economic development, networking infrastructure, transformative potential.

Navigating the Digital Twin Network landscape: A survey on architecture, applications, privacy and security

In recent years, immense developments have occurred in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the spread of broadband and ubiquitous connectivity technologies. This has led to the development and commercialization of Digital Twin (DT) technology. The widespread adoption of DT has resulted in a new network paradigm called Digital Twin Networks (DTNs), which orchestrate through the networks of ubiquitous DTs and their corresponding physical assets. DTNs create virtual twins of physical objects via DT technology and realize the co-evolution between physical and virtual spaces through data processing, computing, and DT modeling. The high volume of user data and the ubiquitous communication systems in DTNs come with their own set of challenges. The most serious issue here is with respect to user data privacy and security because users of most applications are unaware of the data that they are sharing with these platforms and are naive in understanding the implications of the data breaches. Also, currently, there is not enough literature that focuses on privacy and security issues in DTN applications. In this survey, we first provide a clear idea of the components of DTNs and the common metrics used in literature to assess their performance. Next, we offer a standard network model that applies to most DTN applications to provide a better understanding of DTN’s complex and interleaved communications and the respective components. We then shed light on the common applications where DTNs have been adapted heavily and the privacy and security issues arising from the DTNs. We also provide different privacy and security countermeasures to address the previously mentioned issues in DTNs and list some state-of-the-art tools to mitigate the issues. Finally, we provide some open research issues and problems in the field of DTN privacy and security.

Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies among Farmers: A Comprehensive Review

Precision agriculture (PA) technologies have spearheaded a revolution in contemporary farming practices, ushering in an era of sustainability, efficiency, and data-driven agricultural production. This comprehensive examination aims to delve deeply into the intricate dynamics surrounding the adoption of precision agriculture technologies among farmers, synthesizing existing literature, identifying key determinants, barriers, and implications. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is influenced by a myriad of factors spanning socio-economic, institutional, technological, psychological, and attitudinal dimensions. Socio-economic factors such as farm size, income level, access to credit, and demographic characteristics are pivotal in shaping farmers' decisions to adopt PA technologies. Institutional factors, including government policies, extension services, market structures, and support networks, also wield significant influence over adoption patterns. Technological considerations, such as the complexity, compatibility, and perceived benefits of precision agriculture technologies, impact farmers' adoption decisions. Moreover, psychological factors such as risk perception, innovativeness, and attitudes towards change contribute to shaping farmers' willingness to embrace new technologies. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies holds immense promise for enhancing farm productivity, sustainability, and profitability. By enabling precise management of inputs such as water, fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds, PA technologies help optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and maximize yield potential. Furthermore, the integration of advanced data analytics, remote sensing, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices facilitates real-time monitoring, decision-making, and predictive analytics, empowering farmers with actionable insights for improved farm management. However, despite the compelling benefits, the adoption of precision agriculture technologies faces several barriers and challenges. High initial investment costs, limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and technical knowledge gaps pose significant hurdles for farmers, particularly those operating in resource-constrained settings. Concerns regarding data privacy, security, and ownership also contribute to farmers' apprehensions about adopting PA technologies, raising questions about data governance and regulatory frameworks. To overcome these barriers and promote the widespread adoption of precision agriculture technologies, concerted efforts are needed from various stakeholders. Farmer education and training programs play a crucial role in enhancing digital literacy, technical skills, and awareness about the potential benefits of PA technologies. Government policies and incentives, including subsidies, grants, and tax incentives, can help alleviate financial barriers and incentivize adoption. Moreover, collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers is essential to drive technological innovation, develop user-friendly solutions, and address emerging challenges. Investments in infrastructure, such as rural broadband connectivity and sensor networks, are also imperative to ensure the seamless integration and scalability of precision agriculture technologies across diverse farming landscapes.

N-DEPTH: Neural Depth Encoding for Compression-Resilient 3D Video Streaming

Recent advancements in 3D data capture have enabled the real-time acquisition of high-resolution 3D range data, even in mobile devices. However, this type of high bit-depth data remains difficult to efficiently transmit over a standard broadband connection. The most successful techniques for tackling this data problem thus far have been image-based depth encoding schemes that leverage modern image and video codecs. To our knowledge, no published work has directly optimized the end-to-end losses of a depth encoding scheme sandwiched around a lossy image compression codec. We present N-DEPTH, a compression-resilient neural depth encoding method that leverages deep learning to efficiently encode depth maps into 24-bit RGB representations that minimize end-to-end depth reconstruction errors when compressed with JPEG. N-DEPTH’s learned robustness to lossy compression expands to video codecs as well. Compared to an existing state-of-the-art encoding method, N-DEPTH achieves smaller file sizes and lower errors across a large range of compression qualities, in both image (JPEG) and video (H.264) formats. For example, reconstructions from N-DEPTH encodings stored with JPEG had dramatically lower error while still offering 29.8%-smaller file sizes. When H.264 video was used to target a 10 Mbps bit rate, N-DEPTH reconstructions had 85.1%-lower root mean square error (RMSE) and 15.3%-lower mean absolute error (MAE). Overall, our method offers an efficient and robust solution for emerging 3D streaming and 3D telepresence applications, enabling high-quality 3D depth data storage and transmission.

Broadband access and agritourism operations in the United States

AbstractAn online presence is crucial for agritourism operators to connect with consumers. In this study, we use count data regression models to examine the correlation between average broadband speed adopted and the number of agritourism operations. We found that adoption of fast broadband in 2012 was associated with a significantly higher number of agritourism operations nationally in 2017, underscoring the role of broadband connectivity in facilitating interactions between farmers and consumers, as well as in promoting agritourism. However, only a weak association exists in rural counties, indicating that the broadband–agritourism relationship does not extend to less populated areas.

The role of governance in the digital transformation of healthcare: Results of a survey in the WHO Europe Region

Optimal governance is among the key facilitators of the digital transformation of health systems intended to improve access to healthcare, quality, safety, and efficiency, and to attain universal health coverage. This paper highlights the findings of a survey assessing the status of governance of digital health in the WHO European Region.The 2022 survey is a continuation of the 2015 WHO Global Survey on eHealth. The survey focused on national digital health governance, monitoring and evaluation of digital health interventions, and funding and investment in digital health and was conducted through April to October 2022. All 53 Member States of the WHO European Region participated in the survey.The results showed that 83% of the Member States reported having a national digital health strategy in place, and 79% of the Member States reported having a health information system strategy. Most of the priorities of the national digital health strategies were devoted to increasing the accessibility, quality, safety, and efficiency of the health systems, strengthening health information systems, and improving information sharing and interoperability of data. Measures to ensure equity in access to digital healthcare services were directed towards improving broadband connectivity, information and communication technology, digital literacy, and digital health promotion. Oversight for the implementation and operation of the national digital health strategies are mostly delegated to government agencies. The prime source of funding for digital health programs was public funding, though a combination of funding sources was also noted. This analysis revealed increasing adoption of national digital health strategies for access to healthcare and creation of digital health agencies and funding programs for digital health.

Cost dynamics of converged optical-wireless networks: enabling low-latency xRANs through a reconfigurable hybrid split

Future 6G and beyond wireless networks are anticipated to be highly versatile, accommodating a wide range of services, from ultra-low-latency applications like autonomous vehicles and extended reality to enhanced mobile broadband and massive connectivity for the Internet of Things. In tackling this, xRANs (cloud/virtualized/open radio access networks) encounter significant challenges, including automation, interoperability, scalability, reconfigurability, and standardization, within crosshaul (comprising fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul) networks. Therefore, the development of programmable converged optical-wireless networks with exceptional flexibility is crucial. This study concentrates on the design of integrated optical and wireless networks to achieve the reconfigurability necessary for automation and to fulfill diverse latency requirements. Initially, we analyze the latency contributions from different network segments and traffic factors in the xRAN, followed by a comprehensive examination of the associated cost dynamics. Subsequently, we investigate the feasibility of integrating high-layer and low-layer splits within the same network to achieve different latency levels. Finally, our study delves into the relationship between latency and cost for converged optical-wireless networks with varying mixed split scenarios and throughput levels. Overall, this article aims to assist network planners in making well-informed decisions that balance throughput performance, cost, and latency requirements in upcoming network deployments.

Deep optimized hybrid beamforming intelligent reflecting surface assisted UM-MIMO THz communication for 6G broad band connectivity

Deep optimized hybrid beamforming intelligent reflecting surface assisted UM-MIMO THz communication for 6G broad band connectivity

The role of Video on Demand in stimulating broadband adoption

In this paper we study the role of Video on Demand services (VOD) as drivers of broadband adoption. While the research literature has highlighted the importance of digital content, such as applications and Internet platforms, as a driver of broadband adoption, no studies have yet explored the specific contribution of VOD. We developed a worldwide database of VOD services launch by country since 2012 (including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max) and explored their contribution as contributors to broadband adoption during the period. To do so, we relied on several empirical specifications including instrumental variables to control for reverse causality between broadband adoption and VOD services availability. Our results confirm that VOD services have been a key contributor to the increase of broadband connectivity, also helping to narrow down the digital divide especially in developing nations. In addition, VOD service offers have been associated with the gradual increase in the purchasing of broadband higher speed plans. Finally, there is a significant and positive increase in consumer surplus associated with the launch of VOD offers. This evidence points to the impact of VOD services on the digital economy as a stimulus for consumer acquisition of broadband services and therefore as a contributor to the revenues of broadband service providers.

HOW DO DIFFERENT FORMS OF DIGITALIZATION AFFECT INCOME INEQUALITY?

This article examines how different forms of digitalization affect inequality in Europe. Using a cross-national dataset of economic development and digitalization across a range of regression specifications including country and time fixed effects, this article explores the heterogeneous relationships of disparate forms of digitalization – human capital, broadband connectivity, integration of digital technology into small and medium enterprises, and digital public services – with income inequality. Fixed country and time effects models show that only the digitalization of human capital and integration of digital technology by SMEs are associated with decreases in income inequality. Causal mediation analysis reveals that tertiary education, despite its oft-cited connection to digital technology uptake, has no causal effect on the pathways through which digitalization of labour and SME operations lower inequality, which are direct. The findings tentatively suggest that there exist informal sources of digital skills training apart from formal tertiary education and point to SMEs as a potentially impactful area for investing in digitalization as pathways for income redistribution.

Hopeless Waiting and Apprehension of Missing Out

Abstract This research examines the intersection between the policy issues and the experiences Iraqis have with cellular broadband connections (CBCs) in rural Iraq. Findings imply that the Iraqi rural broadband policy has failed in the following areas: subsidy, licenses, and tax relief. These failures happen due to favoring private cellular broadband providers (CBPs) over rural public interest. Further, the policy failure affected rural Iraqis in the following aspects: social seclusion, apprehension of missing out, waiting without hope, and limited alternatives. This research brings new information about the Iraqi telecom sector that could contribute to filling the knowledge gap in this field.

A PROVINCE-LEVEL CONFIGURATIONAL ANALYSIS OF FIXED AND MOBILE BROADBAND ADOPTION

ABSTRACT Understanding the factors that influence broadband adoption has been an important quest for academics and stakeholders involved in broadband planning and deployment as broadband connectivity has become increasingly important for connecting people and communities to economic, social, educational and employment opportunities. Rather than examining the independent effects of explanatory factors, this study investigates complex interactions of key factors linked to high broadband adoption. Employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and using data from 81 Turkish provinces in 2020, the study identifies four sufficient configurations for high fixed broadband adoption and five sufficient configurations for high mobile broadband adoption; only one of them is shared by both broadband types. The study complements fsQCA results with Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and identifies three necessary conditions for high fixed broadband adoption and no necessary condition for high mobile broadband adoption. This study identifies complex non-linear configurations linked to high fixed and mobile broadband adoption, reveals differences between fixed and mobile broadband in terms of adoption mechanisms and draws attention to the geographical disparities in broadband connectivity.

EMPOWERING CITIZENS THROUGH DIGITAL INDIA:AN OVERVIEW

Digital India is a campaign launched by the Government of India to ensure that the Government's services are made available to citizens electronically through improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity or making the country digitally empowered in the field of technology. The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. It consists of three core components: the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure, delivering government services digitally, and universal digital literacy. Launched on 1 July 2015, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is both enabler and beneficiary of other key Government of India schemes, such as Bharat Net, Make in India, Startup India, Stand up India, industrial corridors, Bharat Mala and Sagar Mala. Digital India has 3 core components: - 1. Delivering Government Services Digitally 2. Universal Digital Literacy 3. Development of Secure and Stable Digital Infrastructure Digital technologies including mobile applications and cloud computing are considered as catalysts for rapid growth of a nation’s economy and empowering citizens across the globe. These technologies are used by us daily, from government offices to retail stores. They help us to share information on concerns or issues faced by us and connect us with each other. Technology giants from all over the world paid attention to the Digital India campaign and are readily and happily supporting the initiative. Even Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, had changed his profile picture to support Digital India. He started a trend on Facebook and promised to get the Wi-Fi Hotspots in rural India working. Google started on its commitment to providing broadband connectivity at 500 railway stations in India. Microsoft agreed on providing broadband connectivity to 5,00,000 villages in the country. Microsoft is also making India its cloud hub via the Indian data centres. Oracle planned on investing in 20 states to work on Smart City initiatives and Paymentech. A digitally connected India is aimed at the growth of the social and economic status of the masses in the country. The development of non-agricultural economic activities could pave the path for such an achievement, for providing access to financial services, health, and education. Information and Communication Technology alone cannot directly impact the overall development of a country. Basic digital infrastructure could help achieve overall development. Last but not the least, the paper also discusses the policies and initiatives of Digital India to empower the Citizens .

Optical Power Measurements in Passive Fiber Optic Networks Using the LoRaWAN Protocol

According to the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), in a report released in 2022, it detailed that around 63% of fixed broadband connections used fiber optic networks for connection. This report demonstrates the constant expansion of fiber optic networks in Brazil. The high demand for optical networks means that internet providers face challenges in delivering a quality service that provides a positive customer experience. As a result, companies in the sector have been looking for solutions to solve problems in connecting optical networks. Currently, in the literature and on the market, there are techniques and tools that enable providers to monitor the network connection, carry out speed tests, promote customer service and carry out preventive maintenance. One of these commercial tools is the Optical Power Meter (OPM), a device capable of taking optical measurements in fiber optic networks. Therefore, this work aims to develop an optical power measurement system for passive fiber optic networks, in order to analyze the quality of the signal provided to users, which uses the LoRaWAN communication protocol, thus integrating with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Student Profiles and Associated Factors of Their Adaptation or Risk of Dropout during Remote Teaching Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

School closure and remote teaching were the alternatives several governments found amidst the Covid-19 crisis. Alongside the students’ varying socioeconomic circumstances, this situation made them have distinct learning experiences during the pandemic. Some students could adapt, while others showed the possibility of dropping out. This article presents a cluster analysis to help deepen the discussion and further elaborate on the profiles of the students who adapted, became resilient or were at risk of dropping out according to the perception of parents or guardians in the context of the pandemic. Based on these three profiles, the multinomial logit model was used to estimate the factors that influenced which category students would fall in. The data belong to the ‘Survey of Non-Presential Education in the Perspectives of Families and their Students’ (PENP) and are nationally representative of children enrolled in Brazilian public elementary and high schools. The results point to a positive association between the ‘adapted’ profile and female students, as well as the guardian’s income and level of education. In addition, students with remote activities and access to equipment such as computers, Internet, and broadband connection were at lower risk of dropping out.