5G Business Models & Trends in Rural Communication

Abstract

The 5G suite of technologies currently rolled out globally represent the potential to establish internet access and connect rural communities to the already connected modern, global community, i.e. closing the digital divide. Further 5G can provide substantial support to UNs 17 Social Development Goals (SDGs). There is also no doubt that there is a substantial risk that the promising potentials are not realized, mainly due to the lack of viable business models leading to that the private sector will not provide all the investments necessary to establish 5G technology in developing countries. This uncertainty makes it relevant – even necessary – to consider the alternative solutions to rural internet access.