Abstract
Internet has seen tremendous growth in terms of number of hosts and number of users in recent years. Despite this growth, Internet is not universally available. Most of the Internet activity takes place in the developed nations. Even in places where Internet connectivity is available, users are constrained to use low bandwidth connections because of the limitations of the access network that connects them to the backbone networks. This problem, known as “last mile” problem in telecommunications has attracted the attention of researchers. Bell (1996) addresses the last-mile problem for Internet connectivity as applicable to developed countries and prescribes possible wireline based access network solutions. Khasnabish (1997) addresses both wired and wireless access networks, again in the context of developed economies. Chatterjee (1997) briefly discusses this problem for providing broadband access. Developing countries have very low teledensities and have inferior telecommunication infrastructure. The technology alternatives suitable for developed nations are not suitable for developing countries. Paulraj (1995) addresses the last-mile problem in developing countries and suggests wireless solutions for basic telephony based services. In this paper we extend the model described in (Paulraj, 1995) to address additional factors to be considered for the evaluation of access network alternatives for providing Internet connectivity in developing countries. We investigate which access network technology is suitable for Internet connectivity for residential users in developing countries. Preliminary studies indicate that wireless access solutions have an edge over wireline technologies.
Recommended Citation
Sridhar, Varadharajan, "Analysis of Telecommunications Infrastructure for Internet Access in Developing Countries" (1998). AMCIS 1998 Proceedings. 155.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis1998/155