While 5G deployment in rural areas is progressing, it generally lags behind urban centers[1][2]. However, some regions and projects are making strides in bringing 5G to rural communities[1][4].
In the United States, major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are deploying low-band 5G networks in rural areas[1]. Government initiatives such as the FCCâs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) are providing funding to accelerate broadband expansion[1].
In Europe, the European Union aims to provide access to 100 Mbps connections for all households by 2025, with 5G playing a key role[1]. The 5G RuralDorset project in the UK tested standalone and non-standalone 5G networks in various parts of Dorset, including agriculture and aquaculture farms, the Jurassic Coast, and the village of Worth Matravers[3]. Ciscoâs 5G RuralFirst project created testbeds for 5G across three remote sites, exploring strategies such as 5G cloud core network, dynamic spectrum sharing, and agri-tech[4]. Quickline Communications also trialed 5G technology across rural applications like smart agriculture and tourism, connecting poorly served communities using shared spectrum in TV bands[4].
Citations:
[1] https://horizonpowered.com/5g-improve-rural-coverage/
[2] https://nybsys.com/does-5g-have-better-coverage/
[3] https://www.gsma.com/5ghub/ruralareas
[4] https://www.raconteur.net/technology/haps-5g-coverage
[5] https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/efforts-to-improve-mobile-coverage-in-rural-areas
[6] https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GSMA-How-Innovation-Can-Drive-Rural-Connectivity-Report-2019.pdf
[7] https://www.nperf.com/en/map/PK/-/-/signal
[8] https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/543220-a-5g-rural-remote-and-difficult-areas-ho-b49e63d0.pdf