Keys and challenges to close the rural broadband gap : the role of LTE networks in Spain

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis to evaluate the feasibility of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network to provide fixed wireless 30 Mbps broadband access services in the rural areas of Spain. The results are compared to those of Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) technology and conclude that FTTH networks could reach up to 74% households for 2020 and the proposed LTE network could expand this coverage up to 94.4% households, playing an important role to close the broadband gap with regard to one of the key targets of the Digital Agenda for Europe.