| NOTAS: | "In many places all over the world, rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity, which has led to increasing digital divide. These areas might have low population density, low average income, difficult terrain or non-existing infrastructure, such as power grid, making them less attractive places to invest in and to 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 to 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 closing of the digital divide. Then the paper digs into technical details, i.e., into a solutions space. First, a background overview is provided, followed by a closer elaboration of individual elements, i.e., terrestrial backhaul networks, terrestrial backhaul solutions, non-terrestrial solutions, need for local operations, and frequency spectrum issues. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then highlights identified 6G challenges and research ideas as a list." |
