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

加拿大广阔崎岖的地理环境一直对加拿大作为一个互联国家的愿景构成挑战。如今，许多居住在远离人口中心的加拿大人对宽带互联网和依赖于它的数字服务的访问有限。人口稀少，地形复杂，缺乏基本的基础设施，这使得许多偏远地区无法使用地面无线基础设施。从理论上讲，卫星通信可以解决这个问题，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，移动的更少。在这个应用研究项目中，阿尔冈琴学院的教授Wahab Almuhtadi将与TELUS合作研究新的，以具有成本效益的方式扩大陆地基础设施的覆盖范围，以更好地为农村社区服务。该项目将探索三种创新办法：1）低成本备选办法，用于（a）网络“回程”和（B）小规模地方发电。这些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“kytoons”（风筝气球）和其他“无人”飞行器作为增加基站高度的手段。3）使用长距离通信技术，包括“物联网”接口、低速率差错控制码和高增益天线，该项目将在Almuhtadi教授的监督下，为阿尔冈琴学生提供各种学科的体验式学习机会。该项目的成果将有助于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.