Output Report on ITU-D Question 5/1 Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas
Acknowledgments
Table of contents
List of table and figures
Executive summary
Abbreviations and acronyms
Chapter 1: Introduction
     1.1 Overview of findings from the previous study period (2014-2017) and lessons learnt
     1.2 Gaps requiring attention during the current study (2018-2021)
     1.3 Statement of the situation: Scope of the current Question and other issues requiring attention
     1.4 Methodology used by the group
     1.5 Deployment of rural connectivity for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Chapter 2: ICT requirements of people living in rural and remote communities
     2.1 Changing social trends and specific needs calling for vendor development of suitable services
     2.2 Changing economic environment and economic needs
     2.3 E-services requirements for rural and remote areas
     2.4 Demand for multimedia services
     2.5 Opportunities and challenges related to access to ICTs in relevant local languages
     2.6 Analysis of case studies, with emphasis on cases relating to indigenous communities, isolated and poorly served areas, LDCs, SIDS and LLDCs
Chapter 3: Available, affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions to connect rural and remote areas
     3.1 Requisite infrastructure for the deployment of ICTs for rural and remote areas
     3.2 Environmental and social challenges impacting on infrastructure deployment for fixed and mobile networks
     3.3 Challenges in establishing and upgrading Infrastructure
     3.4 Challenges in operating and maintaining infrastructure
     3.5 Sustainable solutions
     3.6 Available and accessible solutions and systems that address connectivity challenges in rural and remote areas
Chapter 4: Demand, cost and financing mechanisms for connecting rural and remote areas
     4.1 Demand for services in relation to capital expenditure for infrastructure
     4.2 Investment and cost priorities based on economic and social indicators
     4.3 Financing mechanisms (subsidies, etc.) for connecting rural and remote areas
          4.3.1 Public-utility financing model
          4.3.2 Operator funding
          4.3.3 Universal service fund financing model
          4.3.4 Government funding
     4.4 Partnerships to enable connectivity for rural and remote areas
Chapter 5: Technologies to connect rural and remote areas
     5.1 Availability of telecommunications/ICTs providing enhanced connectivity
          5.1.1 Network configuration patterns
     5.2 Backhaul technologies
          5.2.1 Optical fibre networks
          5.2.2 Terrestrial microwave links
          5.2.3 Satellite links
          5.2.4 Mobile backhaul network
     5.3 Access technologies
          5.3.1 Fibre to premises
          5.3.2 xDSL (twisted pair cable to premises)
          5.3.3 Cable television (CATV) (cable to premises)
          5.3.4 Mobile network (3G/4G/5G)
          5.3.5 Wi-Fi network
          5.3.6 High-altitude platform systems (HAPS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
          5.3.7 Satellite broadband access
          5.3.8 IMT and land mobile service systems
          5.3.9 Internet of Things (IoT)
Chapter 6: Services and applications for rural and remote areas
     6.1 Applications for rural and remote areas
     6.2 Complementary access and village connectivity networks
     6.3 Types of access and exchange points
     6.4 Strategies to promote small complementary operators
     6.5 Strategies to localize content
     6.6 Quality of service and sustainability
Chapter 7: Knowledge development, capacity building and training for increased access
     7.1 Skills requirements
     7.2 Human resources development
Chapter 8: Policies and regulations for telecommunications/ICT in rural and remote areas
     8.1 Universal service policies and regulations
          8.1.1 Regulations
     8.2 Policy assistance to other countries
     8.3 Other key findings and conclusions from various contributions
Chapter 9: Conclusions and guidelines
     9.1 Conclusions
          9.1.1 Challenges
          9.1.2 Needs and requirements of rural and remote areas
          9.1.3 Demand
          9.1.4 Financing mechanisms
          9.1.5 Access points
          9.1.6 Technologies
          9.1.7 Applications
          9.1.8 Capacity building
          9.1.9 Policies
     9.2 Guidelines for Member States
Annex 1: Case studies presented by Member States/Sector Members/Associates/Academia, and their regions
Annex 2: Summary of the contents of case studies and input documents submitted during the study period
Annex 3: Map of the global submarine cable network
Annex 4: List of submarine cables (A-Y)
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