Bridging the Digital Divide: Innovative Last Mile Internet Connectivity Solutions

The global distribution of the internet varies greatly when comparing its accessibility and affordability in developed countries to that of emerging markets. The challenges that emerging markets face in distributing the internet to its citizens are increasing as technology evolve and infrastructures lag behind. Last mile solutions that are effective, feasible and maintainable are required to serve the millions of potential users that are currently disconnected in emerging markets. Economic growth has been linked to internet access and along with the incipient fourth industrial revolution, the need for broadband internet connectivity is also becoming increasingly important. Light fidelity (Li-Fi) and millimetre-wave (mm-wave) backhaul have been identified as potential last mile solutions in emerging markets, either as standalone technologies or as hybrid integrations with traditional solutions. This chapter researches the connectivity issues that emerging markets face and suggests possible methodologies to achieve last mile internet access that is specific to emerging markets.