LTE AS A NEXT-GENERATION ACCESS PLATFORM IN RURAL MARKETS: COST–BENEFIT ANALYSIS

FTTC should be the preferred solution for 95% coverage of most developed countries, but a good case can be made for LTE as a stop-gap, and, using microcells, as a longer-term solution for the final 5%.
Several incumbent fixed operators have indicated that they see LTE as a suitable technology for providing next-generation broadband to static locations in rural areas where the operating cost per copper line is high. However, soaring usage on fixed broadband creates a major uncertainty about 4G’s viability as a solution.


This report provides:
assessment of the costs and benefits of LTE as a fixed-line replacement
assessment of the capabilities of LTE at macrocell and microcell level
recommendations for operators and policy makers
a model simulating relative costs of FTTC/VDSL, LTE macrocell-only and LTE/LTE-A macrocell plus microcell approaches in a small town and rural area, as traffic increases
case studies of relevant operators.
COMPANY COVERAGE

This report includes case studies on the following operators.
AT&T
Deutsche Telekom
Mila
NBN Co

Orange Polska
Portugal Telecom
Superfast Cornwall
Telenor

TeliaSonera
Vodafone Deutschland
Verizon