In the past 5 to 10 years, there have been several novel if not downright quirky communication solutions trying to address the needs of rural connectivity, especially in emerging markets. These have ranged from tethered and free-floating balloons to circling solar-powered high-altitude aircraft, but the reality is that mobile telcos need tried and tested solutions that can be deployed in communities today. According to the United Nations, almost half of the world’s population (44.3%) live in rural areas. The unrealized goal of complete rural connectivity can be attributed to two main factors:
