How can the rural connectivity gap be tackled?

Interview

We recently sat down with Raf Meersman, General Manager for EMEA at IQGeo to discuss the rural digital divide in both the UK and abroad, and how the issue can best be tackled.

Could you tell us a little about IQGEO?

IQGeo provides award-winning geospatial network management software to telecommunication, fiber, and utility operators globally, enabling them to build better networks. We are headquartered in Cambridge, UK with regional offices in Germany, Belgium, North America, Japan, and Malaysia.

Our solutions ensure greater cross-team collaboration and process efficiency throughout the network lifecycle, from planning and design to construction, operations and sales. We partner with large multinationals and smaller regional operators to deliver the digital innovation they need to increase network resilience, operational safety, and business ROI.

Unique to the industry, we offer operators our packaged SaaS Insight edition with the ability to seamlessly evolve to our configurable Professional and customizable Enterprise editions as their technical and business requirements grow in complexity. This means that operators always have a solution that is the right size for them, rather than having to invest in features that they don’t need.

How does IQGeo’s technology contribute to bridging the rural connectivity gap, especially in areas where access to reliable networks is a challenge?

Our fiber network management software, Network Manager Telecom, enables network operators in their efforts to bring connectivity to remote and underserved locations. Successful broadband deployment in these regions demands speed and agility, and operators building fiber in rural areas cannot afford to make multiple field visits, making it more critical to execute processes right the first time.

Network Manager Telecom enables field teams to document and manage data online and offline, more powerfully and flexibly than other solutions, ensuring accurate, up-to-date network data. It also offers one digital source of truth with a fully integrated architecture, connecting end-to-end workflows and applications to streamline and optimize every network process. These are essential characteristics to support successful rural network deployment and ongoing fiber network maintenance.

Can you share specific instances where IQGeo’s solutions have been instrumental in extending connectivity to rural or underserved regions?

A great example of an IQGeo supporting an operator to bring connectivity to underserved regions is the case study of altnet Alncom. As specialists in rural broadband, Alncom provides internet access to over 50,000 premises in a previously untapped market in the Northumberland region within the UK, unlocking success for customers, businesses, and communities. They have developed a very efficient fibre planning and rollout model that empowers their field engineers to connect homes and businesses with a single site visit.

To support their fibre deployment efforts, they sought the help of IQGeo. Working in partnership we used our industry knowledge and the IQGeo fiber network management software to effectively map areas and design grid information, providing a visual overview of the area and acting as a guide to determine the optimal placement, position, and scale elements for their network infrastructure. Special considerations had to be taken into account when completing the task, such as ensuring networks were not being built too close to bridges, historical buildings, national parks and narrow roads. By working in close collaboration, we were able to ensure it took place safely, not affecting or disrupting any crucial sites.

IQGeo’s fibre network management software also enables Alncom to streamline and monitor the build process, thus helping the teams to understand how their systems worked and what their limitations were. The partnership has proved to be one of Alncom’s biggest successes. They overcame an immense challenge of rolling out fiber broadband to over 18 rural hamlets, spanning over 30km, and succeeded.

Bridging the rural connectivity gap is a global issue. In the markets that IQGeo operate in, do you work with governments, with local communities and stakeholders to understand and cater to their specific needs? And how important is this?

While IQGeo operates in many global markets, dealing with the regulations in each region directly would be difficult and at times inappropriate as IQGeo is not a fiber network operator. Local governments have their own requirements and processes, which can be very different from place to place.

But IQGeo understands how important it is to know about local requirements. Our customers work with local governments to understand and follow government regulations. We work closely with them to make sure our technology is meeting their needs and the needs of the communities they serve within the guidelines of local and national government regulation. We use their connections with local governments and their knowledge of regulations to make sure our technology fits into the local requirements smoothly.

What do you think other key industry stakeholders could be doing to bridge the global connectivity gap?

The digital divide – the gap between those with and without reliable internet access – requires a multi-pronged approach. Here’s how key players can contribute, along with specific examples:

Governments:

Funding & Incentives: Governments can directly allocate funds for infrastructure development in rural areas. For instance, the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 allocated a significant $65 billion specifically for broadband development, with a focus on underserved rural communities.

Regulation Reform: Regulatory Reform: Simplifying the permitting process can significantly decrease the time and expenses associated with deploying broadband infrastructure in rural areas. The European Union’s “Connectivity Toolbox” serves as a comprehensive resource for member states to reference while devising their fiber rollout strategies. Key recommendations from the EU include:

Implementing permit exemptions or replacing permits with notification systems.
Establishing a Single Information Point (SIP) to serve as the central hub for submitting permit applications electronically.
Improving the accessibility of information related to existing physical infrastructure, such as through a unified data portal or providing georeferenced information through various channels.

Universal Service Programs:

These programs ensure a baseline level of affordable internet access for all citizens, regardless of location. Costa Rica’s Fondo Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (FONATEL) program provides subsidies for deploying broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring rural communities have access to affordable internet services.

Telecom Companies:

Innovative Technologies: Investing in research and development of innovative technologies like fixed wireless access (FWA) can provide cost-effective solutions for rural areas with low population density. For example, Starlink by SpaceX is a satellite internet constellation aiming to deliver high-speed broadband access to underserved communities, including rural areas. While still in its early stages, Starlink offers a promising solution for reaching remote locations where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is not feasible.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration between governments and telecom companies can leverage resources and expertise for efficient rural broadband deployment. For example, Spain boasts a 60.5% pass rate in rural areas. This success can be attributed to a key PPP initiative in 2015. Spain’s telecom regulator, CNMC, mandated that Telefonica, the national telecom giant, open its fiber infrastructure to competitors in most of the country. This policy change spurred significant investment from Vodafone, Orange, and other providers in rural fibre rollouts.

Non-Profit Organisations:

Digital Literacy Training: Equipping rural residents with the skills needed to effectively utilise broadband access is crucial. The World Wide Web Foundation is a global organisation working with local partners to develop digital literacy programs in underserved communities, including rural areas. These programs help residents navigate the online world confidently.
Community Outreach: Raising awareness about the importance of bridging the digital divide and advocating for policies that promote rural broadband development is essential. The Rural Assembly, a US-based organisation, advocates for policies that promote rural development and economic opportunity. They raise awareness about the importance of broadband access in rural communities and advocate for government funding and regulatory reform to bridge the digital divide.

Financial Institutions:

Loan Programs: Financial institutions can offer loans with favourable terms to support rural telecom companies and entrepreneurs investing in broadband infrastructure. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, provides loans and other financial instruments to support private sector development in developing countries. They have financed several projects related to rural broadband infrastructure development, offering loans with flexible terms to telecom companies operating in underserved areas. For example, the IFC partnered with Telecom Armenia to enhance high-speed broadband infrastructure, including in rural areas, fostering Armenia’s digital economy.
Impact Investing: Creating investment vehicles that target rural broadband development attracts investors seeking both financial returns and positive social impact. The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, is an impact investment fund that invests in rural infrastructure projects in emerging markets, including broadband infrastructure. The RIDF provides investors with the opportunity to earn competitive returns while also contributing to positive social and economic development in rural areas.

By working together, governments, telecom companies, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, technology providers, and local communities can create a comprehensive strategy to bridge the digital divide. This collaborative effort will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world and reap the benefits of broadband connectivity.

What does the near future look like for you? Do you have any exciting upcoming goals, projects or partnerships?

The future of bridging the global digital divide, particularly in rural regions, is brimming with potential. Here’s why we at IQGeo are optimistic:

Momentum is Growing: Global recognition of the importance of digital inclusion is on the rise. Governments worldwide are allocating funds for rural broadband development, and innovative technologies are emerging to make deployments more efficient and cost-effective. This creates a fertile ground for progress in bringing connectivity to underserved areas.

Collaboration is Key: We believe effective partnerships are crucial for success. By working closely with leading telecommunication companies and government agencies, we can combine expertise, resources, and innovative approaches to accelerate rural fibre rollouts.

IQGeo’s Role: We’re dedicated to playing a pivotal role in making broadband a reality for everyone:

Next-Gen Solutions: We’re developing cutting-edge geospatial software specifically designed for rural fiber network planning and deployment. These advanced tools can streamline processes, optimize infrastructure placement, and ultimately, expedite connectivity efforts.
Real-World Implementation: We’re actively partnering with key players in the field to implement these advanced solutions in real-world rural broadband projects. This allows us to refine our technologies based on practical experience and ensure they deliver tangible results.
Focus on Inclusivity: We’re committed to responsible and inclusive development. Our goal is to ensure everyone benefits from the digital world, regardless of location.

Looking Ahead: Through collaboration and innovative solutions, we envision a future where rural communities enjoy the same level of connectivity as urban areas. This will unlock a wave of opportunities in education, healthcare, economic development, and social inclusion for all. We’re excited to be a part of making this vision a reality.