Chapter 8: Conclusion
There is a high demand for broadband Internet service in rural communities, particularly in Northern Ontario. The 2005 NEOnet survey had surprising results: residents in Northern Ontario, which is a largely rural and semi-remote area, use the Internet more at home and work and use the Internet as a business tool more than the national average. Despite this heavy usage of the Internet, only 55% of Northern Ontario residents have access to broadband. In communities without any broadband Internet connectivity, 58% of the community's households would sign up for a broadband service if it were offered. Clearly there is an unmet demand here that is putting rural economies at a disadvantage to their urban counterparts. The lack of broadband is making these communities a less attractive location for starting a new business, attracting new residents, or encouraging development.
A number of broadband Internet infrastructure technologies that could meet this unmet demand have been explored and identified as being feasible or unfeasible. The high cost of running fibre is that technology's major barrier to being deployed in rural communities. Unless a very high capacity is needed, other technologies could more economically be used to connect rural communities. DSL is widespread in cities, but both the high cost and distance limitations may make it unfeasible in many small communities or rural areas. Cable is also popular, but cable television networks aren't usually found in rural communities, plus the high cost makes it prohibitive. BPL is an experimental technology that aimed to bring broadband to rural areas, but interference and the high deployment cost makes it no more feasible than DSL or cable. WiFi mesh networks may be possible in small communities with a moderate population density, but the deployment cost for each node makes this a less attractive option. Broadband cellular could bring broadband to any place that has mobile phone service, but the proprietary and private nature of this technology means only mobile phone companies influence its deployment. MMDS and LMDS are capable technologies, but they are likely to be phased out in favour of WiMAX or Motorola Canopy. Canopy is a capable and affordable technology that could feasibly bring broadband Internet service to small communities and rural areas, but it, too, is likely to eventually be replaced by WiMAX. WiMAX has proven to be the most promising technology explored in this thesis, offering both capability and economy. Ku-band satellite access is a capable technology, but it is likely to be replaced by the more reliable and better-performing Ka-band satellite technology. All types of satellite connections experience latency issues, however, so they should usually be a last resort.
The federal and provincial governments recognize that the deployment of broadband Internet infrastructure is important for rural and remote communities, so they have implemented a number of funding programs. NOHFC, BRAND and FedNor can provide significant funding to new infrastructure projects. Few programs are available specifically for broadband infrastructure, however, since the COBRA program was ended in 2003. Given the particularly high feasibility of fixed wireless solutions like Canopy or WiMAX, it would make sense for funding programs specific to the deployment of those technologies to be implemented. If the province of Ontario invested in WiMAX technology, it could become one of the first areas of the world to prove that providing broadband to rural areas is entirely feasible. The economies in rural and remote areas could significantly be improved by bringing them up to par with urban areas.
The algorithms presented in this thesis have been demonstrated through case studies to show that their results are predictable, useful and correct. When the user interprets the results aided by some knowledge of the geography and infrastructure of the target area, the algorithms can be effectively used to identify physically and economically feasible technologies for deployment in that target area. The Blockhouse case study produced predictable results that will be recommended to the owner of that cottage as a course of action. The Hilton Beach case study provided a new perspective on broadband Internet technologies; previously, it was perceived that the only available technologies were DSL and cable. The innovative Canopy or WiMAX pipeline and last-mile solution will be presented to the municipality and the St. Joseph Island Economic Development Corporation, who may pursue further studies and funding for such a deployment. The effectiveness and value of these algorithms has thus been proved. The web-based version of this thesis research and the algorithms will make this valuable information and pair of tools available to the wider community.
With a little education and help sorting through the technologies, municipalities, community groups, or individuals can effectively pursue a broadband infrastructure deployment plan. The research and algorithms presented in this thesis will be instrumental in making that possible. The economy and connectedness of small communities and rural areas can potentially be greatly improved through innovative technologies like WiMAX. The perception that the only technologies available are DSL and cable needs to be corrected. With greater awareness and government support for these technologies, the rural broadband problem could be solved sooner than you think.
© Jake Cormier, 2006 [jake (at) stormcloudstudios.com]
Completed as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science (specialized)
Department of Computer Science :: Algoma University College :: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario :: Spring 2006