Wireless application for rural access

In recent years, the migration of Communication Technology from Circuit- to Packet-based networks has resulted in the convergence of Telecommunication and Data Communication. This has reduced tremendously the cost of communication globally by transferring Voice and Data over a shared Packet-based network as opposed to the traditional dedicated Circuit between two end points. On the other hand the rapid development of Wireless due to the endorsement of new unlicensed radio spectrum and the popularity of unlicensed radio devices have combined to form a technology referred to as Wireless Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This research studies Bhutan's ICT infrastructure, ICT regulations and policies, developmental objectives, and the realities of a Digital Divide in the country. It describes the background and technical implementation of the pilot project. Using this case-study, the research attempts to search for an affordable, interoperable and sustainable Wireless application and VoIP technology based on unlicensed radio spectrum and open source, respectively. Popular licensed and unlicensed fixed wireless technologies have been studied to understand the operational frequencies, bandwidth, data rate and throughput suitable for Rural application primarily VoIP.