Though rural areas have poor internet connections compared to cities and towns, it’s the need of the hour since most agriculture and other major industrial processes happen in villages. People in these areas need to be aware of what’s happening around them, and for this, affordable and proper internet connection is a must. Here’s an article about its challenges and solutions, which can be a wake-up call for many ISPs and rural residents.
Bringing broadband internet connectivity to rural India has its challenges like socioeconomic conditions, geographical terrains and divides, and so many. Despite this, our government has taken many remedial measures and given private internet service providers to set up their internet connections in the various parts of our country.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure: Laying down internet connection cables across the rural landscape of India is expensive and time-consuming. Uneven population and geographical boundaries also complicate this process.
- Affordability: The cost of installing and maintaining broadband infrastructure in rural areas is often unaffordable since many families are underprivileged. This limits access to establishing internet connections.
- Digital Literacy: Many are yet to learn about digital media in rural areas since it’s challenging to find educated people across these regions.
- Electricity Infrastructure: Access to a reliable power supply is essential, as broadband connections need electricity. However, many rural areas still face power outages, which hinder the growth of internet connections across Indian villages.
Solutions:
- Government initiatives: The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address the challenges, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Seva (PMGDS) scheme and the BharatNet project. These programs provide subsidies for the development of internet connections in rural areas.
- Public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can allow private companies to help grow broadband coverage in rural areas. At the same time, the government can partner with these private networks for better functioning.
- Alternative technologies: Alternative technologies, such as satellite internet and fixed wireless broadband, since it’s difficult to lay cables in rural areas, as it’s time-consuming and expensive too.
- Digital literacy programs: Implementing digital literacy programs in rural areas can help the rural population know more about digital literacy and broadband connections. These programs can be conducted through schools and community outreach schemes.
- Infrastructure sharing: Encouraging infrastructure sharing among telecom operators can optimise the existing equipment and infrastructure, leading to more efficient and cost-effective broadband connections in these areas.
The importance of internet access in rural areas
Economic benefits:
- Access to markets: The internet provides rural businesses and entrepreneurs a chance to expand with others beyond their location and help them start new ventures across cities and interact with like-minded people for development.
- Employment opportunities: The internet opens new employment opportunities for rural residents through remote work, paving the way for better mental health, economic stability in the family and more.
- E-commerce: Online shopping can provide rural residents with access to e-commerce websites, which is equally less expensive when compared to the travel costs from their villages to towns.
Social Benefits:
- Improved communication: The internet facilitates communication and connection among rural residents, families, and friends, which enhances their social life.
- Access to information: The internet provides rural residents with the opportunity to improve their knowledge in various fields, like politics and more.
- Civic engagement: The internet enables rural residents to participate in various surveys, panchayat meetings and programs to lead a balanced and decent life in the villages.
Educational benefits:
- Online learning: Online courses and educational resources provide rural students with quality education just like those who are in cities, which helps them participate more in the competitive academic field.
- Distance learning: Distance learning programs through online resources reduce the cost involved in travel from home to college, book fees and more, which are pretty expensive what they pay for an internet connection per month.
- Professional development: The internet provides rural teachers and professionals access to online training and resources, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Empowering rural areas
Excitel , no matter where is doing its bit to make rural India a powerful hub for internet connections. Excitel is already established in several villages and towns, and your area can be the next one! For more updates, visit our website and get affordable internet at your home!
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
- What are the main challenges faced by rural areas in obtaining broadband?
Infrastructure limitations, costs involved in development, and geographical barriers are a few issues for developing the broadband business in rural areas. - How can I check the availability of broadband in my rural location?
Visit the nearest showroom or visit an internet service provider’s website to check their availability, or you can also contact people in your area who currently use broadband. - How can rural communities get involved in improving their internet access?
They can talk to panchayat unions and show an interest in online programs, improving the chances of increasing internet connections in their areas.
