NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJRSP Vol.36(3) [June 2007]

Rural connectivity in India: The n-Logue example

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Rural connectivity in India: The n-Logue example

Authors: Ramachander, Sangamitra

Abstract: This paper mainly aims to explain about the telecom boom in India and throws light on the technologies of today and tomorrow. It briefly discusses about, how technologies are now starting to be available to connect every village and also it details challenges faced by the technologies in rural areas. With these in mind a total innovative business model was required to deliver Internet services to rural areas. In order to meet this need a company called n-Logue was incubated to significantly enhance the quality of life of every rural Indian by setting up a network of wirelessly connected internet kiosks in villages throughout India. The challenges from technology point of view are many. The systems that provide connectivity need to be relatively inexpensive if they are to be commercially deployed, given the lower incomes in rural areas compared to urban areas. This paper concludes by saying that with the help of drastic developments in technology sector, providing connectivity in rural areas is entirely possible today.

Page(s): 188-191

IEEE 802.16e (Mobile-WiMAX) for rural deployment

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: IEEE 802.16e (Mobile-WiMAX) for rural deployment

Authors: Paulraj, A

Abstract: The IEEE 802.16e (or simply 16e) is an emerging global standard targeted for broadband services to mobile/nomadic users within urban areas with macro cellular type deployment. Other applications of 16e can be micro cell indoors and outdoors serving hotspots and enterprises. The 16e promises wideband operation with high spectral efficiency. Net throughputs up to net 70 mbps peak and 20 mbps average are possible in 10 MHz channels. The 16e standard for urban mobile applications is expected to be ratified in Sep. 2005. The WIMAX forum has approved two profiles wave 1 and 2. The former is entering Korean deployment in mid 2006. Wave 2 profiles address more advanced features will begin trials in late 2006. Clearly, 16e is a very flexible standard capable of multiple applications. In this paper the author argues that the flexibility in 16e also makes it suitable for efficiently supporting rural applications also. Requirements for rural deployment and a possible rural profile for 16e are discussed. Also it is shown that it can be configured to offer attractive performance and cost advantages.

Page(s): 178-181

Can 3G technologies benefit rural India?

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Can 3G technologies benefit rural India?

Authors: Venkatesh, G; Ramachandra, Ashwin

Abstract: To increase telecom penetration into rural India, we would need low cost options for networks and devices that provide support not only for voice services, but also for rich media and higher data rate services. In this paper, the authors examine whether the evolution of GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) into 3G and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) could enable this transformation, since this provides higher peak data rates and also significantly increases the network capacity. The problem is that 3G devices and services are typically part of the premium (high-price) services in the developed countries, while they have to be offered at very affordable prices if they have to take off in the rural areas. A paradigm shift may thus be required to resolve this paradox. In this paper, the authors examine if low cost 3G and HSDPA is really feasible.

Page(s): 172-177

Trace gases behaviour in sensitive areas of the northwestern Himalaya–A case study of Kullu-Manali tourist complex, India

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Trace gases behaviour in sensitive areas of the northwestern Himalaya–A case study of Kullu-Manali tourist complex, India

Authors: Kuniyal, Jagdish C; Rao, P S P; Momin, G A; Safai, P D; Tiwari, S; Ali, K

Abstract: Surface concentration of the three important trace gases, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) were measured at three different tourist locations, namely Kullu, Manali and Kothi in the northwestern Himalayan region, which are located at 1220 m, 2050 m and 2530 m above the mean sea level mainly to asses the anthropogenic impact. The surface O₃ was monitored for four years during the period 1998 - 2002 and 2004 at the time of peak tourist season (May-June), and SO₂ and NO₂ were measured during the entire period in 2003. The peak O₃ concentrations reached close to 50 ppb level, while the annual mean concentrations of O₃, SO₂ and NO₂ remained within the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA’s) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The peak hourly average values of O₃ was 44 ppb at Manali and 32 ppb at Kothi during evening (1700 hrs IST), while that at Mohal (near Kullu) was 32 ppb in the afternoon (1500 hrs IST) period. The seasonally average value of maximum concentration of NO₂ was 3.8±0.6 μg m⁻³at Kothi and 7.6±1.0 μg m⁻³ at Mohal in autumn (October-November), while that of SO₂ was 21.4±1.8 μg m⁻³ at Kothi and 18.8±1.3 μg m⁻³ at Mohal during the monsoon (July-September) and summer (April-June) periods, respectively. Vehicular emissions and biomass burning for heating and cooking during the winter period (especially when power failure is common) as well as during forest fires could be the major contributors for increased emissions of these trace gases. However, the influence of long-range transport may also be important.

Page(s): 197-203