Solar power with a battery back-up is one solution to overcome a lack of electricity. It is important to consider the local population, human and animal, when deploying infrastructure. For example, in one deployment, SRT had to put up a chain link fence to keep camels away from the equipment. Equipment maintenance is another consideration, especially for installations in remote, difficult to reach areas. Centralized maintenance that limits the need to travel to the installation for repairs is the best solution for difficult environments.
Radio has real benefits for difficult terrain and low densities.
It is easy to deploy, covers a large distance and does not require that you accept second class services. Just because a village has never had dial tone does not mean they won't want the Internet or other advanced technologies. Dr. John Evans Papua New Guinea has virtually every terrain from mountains to swamps. Ninety percent of the population lives in rural areas. Urban areas consist of a population of at least 500 people, paved roads, and a water supply.