Bridging Canada's Broadband Gap: Novel Solutions for Expanding Cellular Coverage to Rural and Remote Communities

加拿大幅员辽阔，地势崎岖，一直对加拿大作为一个相互联系的国家的愿景提出挑战。今天，许多居住在远离人口中心的加拿大人只能有限地使用宽带互联网和依赖于它的数字服务。人口稀少，地形复杂，缺乏基础设施限制了许多偏远地区的地面无线基础设施。卫星通信理论上可以解决这个问题，但是卫星服务的成本和复杂性很高，导致服务比地面服务更麻烦、更便宜、更不可靠、更不灵活。在这个应用研究项目中，阿尔冈昆学院的Wahab Almuhtadi教授将与TELUS合作，研究新的、具有成本效益的方法，以增加地面基础设施的覆盖范围，更好地为农村社区服务。该项目将探索三种创新方法：1)(a)网络“回程”和(b)小规模本地发电的低成本方案。这可以降低偏远地区蜂窝基础设施的部署成本。2)使用新型空中平台，如“气球”（风筝气球）和其他“无人驾驶”飞机，作为增加基站高度的手段。3)使用远程通信技术，包括“物联网”接口，低速率错误控制代码和高增益天线，在不增加功率的情况下扩展范围。该项目将在Almuhtadi教授的指导下，为阿尔冈昆学生提供不同学科的体验式学习机会。该项目的产出将有助于TELUS扩大其地理和人口覆盖范围，为加拿大人带来一系列安全、健康和经济利益。

Canada's vast and rugged geography has always challenged the vision of Canada as one connected nation.Today, many Canadians who live away from population centres have limited access to broadband Internet andthe digital services that depend on it. Sparse populations, challenging terrain, and lack of basic infrastructurelimit ground-based wireless infrastructure in many remote areas. Satellite communications are theoreticallyable to solve this problem, however the cost and complexity of satellite services is high, resulting in servicesthat are more cumbersome, less affordable, less reliable, and less mobile than their terrestrial counterparts.In this applied research project, Algonquin College's professor Wahab Almuhtadi will partner with TELUS toinvestigate novel, cost-effective ways to increase the reach of terrestrial infrastructure to better serve ruralcommunities. The project will explore three innovative approaches:1) Low-cost options for (a) network 'backhaul' and (b) small-scale local power generation. These could reducethe deployment cost of cellular infrastructure in remote regions.2) Use of novel aerial platforms such as 'kytoons' (kite-balloons) and other 'uncrewed' aircraft as means toincrease base-station height.3) Use of long-reach communications techniques, including "Internet of Things" interfaces, low rateerror-control codes, and high-gain antennas, to extend range without increasing power.The project will provide experiential learning opportunities for Algonquin students under a variety ofdisciplines, under the supervision of prof Almuhtadi. The outputs of the project will help TELUS to expand itsgeographical and population coverage, bringing a range of safety, health, and economic benefits to Canadians.