A 6G White Paper on Connectivity for Remote Areas

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the potential of 6G technology to bridge the digital divide in remote and rural areas by addressing unique challenges and outlining research priorities for inclusive connectivity.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of requirements, challenges, and research topics for 6G to enable connectivity in underserved remote regions.

Findings

Identifies key challenges for 6G in rural connectivity

Highlights research topics for 6G to address digital divide

Discusses international targets and technical solutions

Abstract

In many places all over the world rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity that has led to increasing digital divide. These areas might have low population density, low incomes, etc., making them less attractive places to invest and operate connectivity networks. 6G could be the first mobile radio generation truly aiming to close the digital divide. However, in order to do so, special requirements and challenges have to be considered since the beginning of the design process. The aim of this white paper is to discuss requirements and challenges and point out related, identified research topics that have to be solved in 6G. This white paper first provides a generic discussion, shows some facts and discusses targets set in international bodies related to rural and remote connectivity and digital divide. Then the paper digs into technical details, i.e., into a solutions space. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then highlights identified 6G challenges and research ideas as a list.