Affiliation:
1. School of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
2. School of Earth Systems and Sustainability, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Abstract
The past decade has seen a rise in the availability of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) for developing smart societies and communities. However, the smart divide, characterized by inequalities in ICT infrastructures, software access, and individual capabilities, remains a significant barrier for rural communities. Limited empirical studies exist that explore what and how ICT infrastructures can be developed to bridge the smart divide. The paper aimed to address rural broadband access in the context of infrastructural dimensions of smart divide (i.e., smart infrastructural divide) in the United States, focusing on the wireless network infrastructure’s role in narrowing the gap. It examined the broadband specifications needed for smart applications like smart education and telehealth, emphasizing the importance of wireless network capabilities. While fixed broadband offers higher speeds, wireless networks can support many smart applications with decent flexibility and ease of access. To further understand the implications of wireless broadband to rural communities, we conducted a case study in Carbondale and Cairo, two rural towns in Southern Illinois, using on-site user-inspired speed testing. An Android application was developed to measure download/upload speeds and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for broadband quality. Results suggest both Carbondale and Cairo experienced below-average speeds with high variability among census blocks, which highlights the need for improved wireless network infrastructure. The paper culminated in the technological and policy recommendations to narrow down the smart infrastructural divide.
Funder
National Science Foundation
Subject
Computer Science Applications,Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology,General Materials Science,Building and Construction,Civil and Structural Engineering
Reference48 articles.
1. Ruparelia, N.B. (2023). Cloud Computing, Mit Press.
2. IoT technology, applications and challenges: A contemporary survey;Balaji;Wirel. Pers. Commun.,2019
3. Digital divide research, achievements and shortcomings;Poetics,2006
4. Challenges and opportunities for coping with the smart divide in rural America;Li;Ann. Am. Assoc. Geogr.,2020
5. U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (2023, September 01). Projects and Policies Related to Deploying Broadband in Unserved and Underserved Areas, Available online: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-14-409.pdf.
Cited by
2 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献