Examining the Potential of 5G Wireless Technology to Reduce the Digital Divide in Rural Canada

<p>Today, a stable and robust broadband connection has become necessary due to the shift of traditional services towards digital and online platforms such as e-Government, e-Education, and e-Health. Canada's urban areas are getting the full advantages of broadband connectivity; however, rural areas are underserved due to low population density, terrain challenges, and less attractive business opportunities for the investor. This thesis explores the potential for 5G wireless networks to reduce the gap in residential broadband availability. It reviews the literature on the importance of broadband as an enabler of socio-economic inclusion, assesses Canada's digital divide and makes the case that continued action is needed to reduce the disparities in access between urban and rural areas. Technical solutions for providing broadband outside urban areas are described, noting that 5G is more capable than any previous wireless generation. The thesis concludes that 5G business case success is strongly dependent on the delivery of mobile wireless and fixed wireless on the same network to share the cost between services and earn more revenue. It also finds that smaller providers have a role in building out small projects that may be below the profit threshold of larger providers. To end the digital divide in Canada, federal and provincial governments and service providers must work together to develop a strong national broadband strategy that maximizes the impact of public investment.</p>