Decentralized Wireless (DeWi): Closing the Rural-Urban Internet Gap in America

Today, I'm speaking with James Tagg, Chief Architect and Head of US Operations at World Mobile, and in this insightful interview, we'll talk about the transformative potential of Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) technology in rural America. We'll also look at how DeWi differs from traditional internet infrastructure, as well as the pressing challenges that both rural and suburban areas in the U.S. face regarding internet connectivity and how DeWi offers a promising solution to bridge the digital divide. So, let's get straight in! Hi there, please introduce yourself, and tell us what you do. I'm James Tagg, Chief Architect and Head of US Operations at World Mobile. Can you provide an overview of Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) technology and how it differs from traditional internet infrastructure? Well, to start with, it's not Internet infrastructure; what we do is mobile infrastructure. Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) technology focuses on providing mobile infrastructure to improve coverage, cost, and privacy. It can also complement wireless broadband to offer an alternative to fixed-line connectivity, particularly for hard-to-reach customers. Let's break it down. In the conventional scenario, mobile service providers establish extensive networks of towers to deliver mobile services to individual handsets and, in some cases, provide mobile broadband to homes through small building-mounted antennas. Large corporations centrally manage these networks with tens of thousands of employees and have a substantial cost base. DeWi, on the other hand, transforms this paradigm. Instead of relying on corporate giants, it empowers individuals and communities to take charge of their cellular connectivity needs. For instance, consider a farming community or a local village; rather than shelling out substantial fees to established telecom companies, they can install and manage their own cellular connectivity. This shift from centralized control to local, community-driven management is the essence of DeWi. DeWi enables smaller-scale, localized, and community-led mobile infrastructure deployment, breaking away from the traditional, top-down approach associated with large telecom companies. What are the main challenges rural areas in the U.S. face when it comes to internet connectivity, and how does DeWi address these challenges? Firstly, we should note, the issue isn't limited to rural areas alone. Take, for example, Silicon Valley or my own residence in San Diego. On my street, the six houses adjacent to mine lack quality wireless connectivity, meaning the mobile phone fails as you walk around the property and get into the car in the drive. Many normal use cases don't work, such as getting into the car while listening to a conference call. Additionally, only a single cable provider laid the cables more than three decades ago when the neighborhood was developed. The service is costly, and there is no competitive pressure. This situation persists despite being situated in a suburban environment. Extending this problem to rural regions makes it even more pronounced. Many villages and farming areas encounter similar challenges. Interestingly, even if you are just a short five-mile distance away from a major interstate, a common scenario in California, Nevada, and many other locations, you often find yourself without mobile connectivity and broadband access. What are the key components or technologies that make DeWi a promising solution for bridging the digital divide in rural America? Firstly, DeWi leverages the concept of community-driven infrastructure development, which proves to be a cost-effective approach. Rather than expending substantial sums on land acquisition and tower construction, communities contribute locations and land for deploying essential infrastructure like fiber optics. Furthermore, significant recent developments have reshaped the telecommunications landscape in the United States. The introduction of lightly licensed shared spectrum, such as the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). This is a game-changer. In the past, large blocks of spectrum were auctioned, with mobile operators often spending millions to billions of dollars to acquire licenses from the FCC. In some European countries, the price tag could even reach $10 billion to secure national spectrum licenses. However, in the U.S., county-level licenses are available, albeit still costly, ranging from 2 to $10 million. What has truly transformed the situation is the availability of spectrum that can be obtained from the government for a mere $4 per month. This dramatic shift has opened new possibilities. World Mobile has obtained Band 71 licensed Spectrum and is pioneering a community-sharing approach. We manage the spectrum and its associated services for regulatory reasons, but the groundbreaking aspect is that anyone can set up their own antennas using this spectrum and our technology. Regular people or small businesses can expand network coverage for their specific area or community and become part of the collective network established by World Mobile. DeWi's ability to leverage community-driven infrastructure development and the introduction of licensed shared spectrum, such as CBRS, is revolutionizing the way rural America can access connectivity and bridge the digital divide. In terms of scalability and infrastructure, what are some of the considerations when implementing DeWi in rural areas with limited existing connectivity infrastructure? There are some key considerations When implementing DeWi in rural areas with limited existing connectivity infrastructure. First and foremost, establishing the foundational connectivity is paramount, typically involving installing fiber optics. A significant advantage we have at the moment is the commitment to fund the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), a bipartisan effort, to allocate $40 billion for the expansion of fiber networks to rural regions across America. This financial support greatly simplifies the process of launching DeWi initiatives, as it covers a substantial portion of the most costly aspect: installing fiber through trenching. What types of internet applications and services can benefit the most from improved connectivity in rural areas through Decentralized Wireless (DeWi)? Are there specific use cases that stand out? Improved connectivity in rural areas through DeWi primarily benefits applications and services that rely on high-quality internet access, with video content being a significant driver and constituting approximately 70% of internet traffic. Activities like video conferencing, education through content on platforms like YouTube, and similar interactive sessions like the one we're having now on this call. Without robust and consistent connectivity, these activities can be severely hampered. Other services, such as banking services, also benefit from reliable connectivity. Interruptions during online transactions can lead to data loss and inconvenience, for example, having to retype complex forms. As a result, individuals often avoid these tasks until they have access to a stable connection via a fixed-line connection. They do not get the advantages of online transactions if they don't have a stable connection. While all applications can benefit from improved connectivity, the most pronounced impact is observed in activities that require high bandwidth and stable interactivity. Conversely, basic tasks like asynchronous text messaging and email checking can generally function adequately on less robust connections. Of course, if you have no connectivity at all, then even the basic functions are unavailable. How does DeWi technology ensure reliability and stability of internet connectivity in remote and rural locations, which are often prone to environmental factors and infrastructure limitations? One significant advantage of DeWi lies in its community-driven management. In this model, the local community takes charge of the network, and if any issues arise, the person with the expertise to resolve them typically resides nearby. This contrasts with traditional infrastructure providers who might need to dispatch technicians from distant locations, causing delays in addressing connectivity problems. The proximity of those who care about the network's reliability enables quicker response and resolution. While DeWi faces similar challenges as traditional infrastructure in terms of maintenance and potential cable cuts, local ownership plays a pivotal role. As there are innovative solutions available within the community setting. For instance, a farmer we are testing with had implemented a meshing system that allows them to use cellular connections as a temporary relay if a cable is accidentally cut. This interim measure ensures that connectivity remains intact while repairs are being made. So, yes, there are tactics that you can use if you're in the community to simply reroute the traffic. In contrast, it could take two months for a large mobile service provider to reroute a signal. These practical, community-driven solutions are a testament to the agility and responsiveness that DeWi offers in addressing connectivity disruptions. How can community involvement and local empowerment play a role in successfully implementing Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) networks in rural areas? Local communities have a unique advantage in mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts effectively. When a community comes together to improve their connectivity, the process becomes considerably streamlined. In contrast, relying on a large corporation for such endeavors can result in lengthy, protracted projects that might span several years. In addition, local engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. When the community takes the lead in addressing their connectivity needs, the project tends to be more efficient and cost-effective. The difference in both timeline and budget can be substantial, with community-led initiatives often achieving results in a matter of months compared to the multi-year timescales associated with corporate-led efforts. In essence, community involvement and local empowerment not only expedite the implementation of DeWi networks in rural areas but also empower the residents, fostering a sense of control over their connectivity solutions. Are there any potential challenges or limitations that DeWi technology might face in rural areas, and how can these challenges be overcome? In a rural context, there's typically more groundwork than urban areas. You might need to establish basic infrastructure such as fiber and power sources. However, what distinguishes rural settings is the ease of overcoming these challenges. In rural areas, you can often directly engage with the landowners and seek permission to lay cables, which tends to be a straightforward process. These challenges are more complex when dealing with urban areas, with bureaucratic hurdles significantly slowing down progress. While rural contexts may demand more initial effort in terms of infrastructure setup, their advantage lies in the relative absence of bureaucratic complexities. This straightforward, community-focused approach is a key characteristic of DeWi technology, making it well-suited for bridging the digital divide in such areas. What are the potential economic and social impacts of improving internet connectivity in rural areas through Decentralized Wireless (DeWi)? How might it benefit these communities? DeWi's role in improving internet connectivity can drive economic growth, expand educational opportunities, and empower local businesses, fostering more vibrant and self-sustaining rural communities. Enhanced connectivity contributes to income growth and expanded economic opportunities. It allows residents in rural areas to access online job opportunities, engage in freelance work, and participate in e-commerce platforms, thereby increasing their overall income. Improved internet access also significantly influences education. Students in rural areas can access online learning resources, receive remote instruction, and engage in distance education programs, helping bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas. Additionally, improved connectivity is advantageous for local businesses and entrepreneurs. With improved internet access, rural businesses can reach a larger market, reduce their reliance on middlemen, and then offer their products and services directly to consumers, resulting in increased profitability and the creation of new jobs within the community. Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of connectivity in rural America with the continued development and adoption of Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) solutions? When envisioning the future of connectivity in rural America, one of the key prospects is that the community can gain ownership of its connectivity, enabling greater control, reduced costs, and increased flexibility compared to large, centralized infrastructures that often overlook the unique needs of rural economies. This shift is particularly important given the structural challenges in the U.S., where multiple carriers operate independently and are reluctant to share infrastructure. Consequently, serving a specific area might necessitate building multiple, redundant infrastructure networks, which is neither practical nor economically viable. Crucially, lower cost in this context does not imply lower quality. DeWi solutions can provide high-quality connectivity while embracing a community-driven approach where individuals come together, contribute resources, and build and maintain the network collaboratively. By sidestepping the bureaucratic and costly processes associated with traditional infrastructure development, DeWi empowers communities to take charge of their connectivity. In essence, the future of connectivity in rural America with DeWi solutions holds the promise of local ownership, cost-effectiveness, and community-driven collaboration to address the unique connectivity needs of rural areas, ensuring that more regions are covered and connected effectively.