Reaching beyond the wire: challenges facing wireless for the last mile
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-01-2017-0002 |
| Date | 08 May 2017 |
| Published date | 08 May 2017 |
| Pages | 210-224 |
| Author | Aleksandr Yankelevich,Mitchell Shapiro,William H. Dutton |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information management & governance,Information policy |
Reaching beyond the wire: challenges
facing wireless for the last mile
Aleksandr Yankelevich, Mitchell Shapiro and William H. Dutton
Aleksandr Yankelevich
and Mitchell Shapiro are
both based at
Department of Media and
Information, Quello
Center, Michigan State
University, East Lansing,
Michigan, USA.
William H. Dutton is
Quello Professor and
Director of the Quello
Center based at
Department of Media and
Information, Quello
Center, Michigan State
University, East Lansing,
Michigan, USA.
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to provide a critical perspective on the major opportunities and challenges
facing the future of wireless access to broadband internet services in the USA. In particular, it seeks to
develop realistic expectations for new entrants and existing wireline broadband providers, hoping to
diversify into wireless to extend the reach of broadband to previously underserved markets.
Design/methodology/approach –The paper synthesizes a series of empirical case studies of efforts
to develop wireless projects across the USA. Cases were chosen to reflect variations in recent initiatives
related to spectrum used, housing density, topography, types of services provided and the type of entity
providing them. Findings are supplemented by a thorough review of applicable sections of the Code of
Federal Regulations, Federal Communications Commission Orders and state and local regulations.
Findings –Although developments in wireless technology and regulation have permitted novel
approaches for using wireless to extend the reach of broadband, myriad challenges must be addressed
for successful expansion. These include limitations on throughput, infrastructure and equipment
hurdles, regulatory uncertainty and relatively low revenue potential in underserved markets.
Practical implications –This study can serve as a guide to the nuances that wireless broadband
providers must take into account when extending service in different settings. Because social and
regulatory contexts are critical, the authors anchor their findings in a study of US cases and regulations.
Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges that are explored can be of relevance for practitioners
considering wireless access in other countries where comparable situations may arise.
Originality/value –Existing scholarship generally focuses on the opportunities of wireless
technologies for extending the reach and quality of broadband without methodically exploring potential
hurdles. In this paper, the authors carefully consider both, paying attention to the social, financial, policy
and technical challenges that must be addressed to successfully design and implement different
wireless initiatives.
Keywords Case studies, Wireless, Communication technologies, Broadband networks,
Business policy
Paper type General review
1. Introduction
Ongoing developments in wireless technology have prompted communities, educational
institutions, internet service providers and various other organizations across the world to
explore using wireless to complement or even substitute for existing wireline broadband
internet services. Practitioners seeking to implement wireless technology have to account
for many context specific factors, including how local regulations, geographies and
socioeconomic characteristics might affect the likelihood of success. Relying on the varied
contexts that arise in the USA, this paper provides a critical perspective on the major
opportunities and challenges that diverse organizations are likely to face when attempting
to use wireless to extend broadband access.
Although a great deal has been written about the opportunities of wireless technologies for
extending the reach and quality of broadband internet access, there has been relatively
less attention paid to the social, financial, policy and regulatory challenges of the design
This paper is based on the
Wireless Access for Last Mile
Access (WILMA) project,
supported by Merit Network, in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, and other
members of the Quilt Network.
The authors thank Merit and
Quilt for their support of this
project. A link to the project
website can be found at: http://
quello.msu.edu/research/
wireless-innovation-for-last-mile-
access/
PAGE 210 DIGITAL POLICY, REGULATION AND GOVERNANCE VOL. 19 NO. 3, 2017, pp. 210-224, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2398-5038 DOI 10.1108/DPRG-01-2017-0002
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