Reaching beyond the wire: challenges facing wireless for the last mile

This paper aims to provide a critical perspective on the major opportunities and challenges facing the future of wireless access to broadband internet services in the USA. In particular, it seeks to develop realistic expectations for new entrants and existing wireline broadband providers, hoping to diversify into wireless to extend the reach of broadband to previously underserved markets.

The paper synthesizes a series of empirical case studies of efforts to develop wireless projects across the USA. Cases were chosen to reflect variations in recent initiatives related to spectrum used, housing density, topography, types of services provided and the type of entity providing them. Findings are supplemented by a thorough review of applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Communications Commission Orders and state and local regulations.

Although developments in wireless technology and regulation have permitted novel approaches for using wireless to extend the reach of broadband, myriad challenges must be addressed for successful expansion. These include limitations on throughput, infrastructure and equipment hurdles, regulatory uncertainty and relatively low revenue potential in underserved markets.

This study can serve as a guide to the nuances that wireless broadband providers must take into account when extending service in different settings. Because social and regulatory contexts are critical, the authors anchor their findings in a study of US cases and regulations. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges that are explored can be of relevance for practitioners considering wireless access in other countries where comparable situations may arise.

Existing scholarship generally focuses on the opportunities of wireless technologies for extending the reach and quality of broadband without methodically exploring potential hurdles. In this paper, the authors carefully consider both, paying attention to the social, financial, policy and technical challenges that must be addressed to successfully design and implement different wireless initiatives.