As the cost of bandwidth on fiber networks comes down, startups are seizing the opportunity to deploy terrestrial wireless networks that can deliver internet access at lower cost and higher quality than satellite, even in remote areas.
The approach could help to tackle the “digital divide” — an increasing concern on the global development agenda as communities with poor internet access risk falling further behind, according to a report published on Wednesday.
At Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi, for example, the telecommunications company C3 is on the verge of replacing satellite internet with its TV white space and wi-fi network, which is capable of providing high-speed broadband, said Paul Garnett, director of Affordable Access Initiative at Microsoft.