# Can the WiMAX IEEE 802.16 Standard Be Used to Resolve Last-Mile Connectivity Issues in Botswana?
## 2 Background  
Studies indicate that developing countries' settlement patterns present infrastructure development challenges for the deployment of services [8]. Settlements have close and scattered proximity and lower population densities and incomes, affecting resource mobilisation and the fair distribution of infrastructure development and business viability. Furthermore, low population densities, low rural income, and lack of local application content affect the expansion and adoption of broadband services, including internet use. Challenges include the lack of institutional capacity, the void created by high prices charged by MNOs, and the lack of primary network access to provide an alternative connectivity network. Governments across developed and developing countries have introduced wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi hotspot) networks to address the lack of affordable services and internet access, and for improved public service efficiency. Despite the successful government deployment of a substantive fibre infrastructure development and other frameworks, many users complain about high broadband services, poor network services, and a lack of e-government services. Communities in developing countries often settle in sparse-location patterns approximately less than 10 to 40 km apart, which demand MNOs, ISPs, and other service providers to install more infrastructure development, and require added resources [9]. For example, although Tlhareseleelele, Rakhuna, and other villages are less than 10 to 40 km from Pitsane/Goodhope, which have an adequate ICT infrastructure, they experience limited network services. Most of the time, these cluster villages access roaming broadband services across from South Africa's MNOs [10]. Therefore, this study noted that many deployments in developing countries, including Botswana, predominately rely on LTE, notwithstanding the many successful deploymentsof the WiMAX IEEE 802.16 Standard reluctant to adopt the technology. Many studies have point out that WiMAX IEEE 802.16 addresses developing countries' lack of infrastructure development and significantly reduces the cost of infrastructure deployments. Therefore, this study adopted experimental and simulated WiMAX IEEE 802.16 for access at the last-mile level. Notwithstanding the gains from the Wi-Fi hotspot initiative, public Wi-Fi services have eased congestion and enhanced service delivery, particularly in the banking sector. As a result, many people access statements, transfer funds, and use other online services outside banking halls. In addition, the introduced metro-based Wi-Fi hotspot initiatives provide service end-users with alternative access away from the high tariffs charged by MNOs and ISPs. However, despite the Wi-Fi hotspot advantages, the initiative has limited coverage, requires extensive network infrastructure deployment, and may not work for rural areas. The expansion of Wi-Fi hotspots requires a series of added infrastructure and network installations, including institutional and regulatory frameworks, to address management, maintenance, and regulatory issues. Nevertheless, developing countries could adopt more advanced wireless technologies to address the prevalent lack of infrastructure development, high infrastructure deployment costs, and lack of business viability in rural areas. Among the wireless technologies available, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX IEEE 802.11) stands out as a possible solution for developing countries' rampant lack of infrastructure development and dream of addressing the digital divide and rolling out e-government services. Furthermore, WiMAX IEEE 802.16e has demonstrated the capacity to provide connectivity and access for rural areas beyond other wireless technologies. Therefore, we simulated a testbed to determine the appropriateness of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as an access technology for rural areas at the last-mile level. Therefore, this study looks at various alternative options to address connectivity and access for rural areas.