Can the WiMAX IEEE 802.16 Standard Be Used to Resolve Last-Mile Connectivity Issues in Botswana?

Some of the advantages of using Worldwide Interoperability Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology at the last-mile level as an access technology include an extensive range of 50 km Line of Sight (LOS), 5 to 15 km Non-Line of Sight, and fewer infrastructure installations compared to other wireless broadband access technologies. Despite positive investments in ICT fiber infrastructure by developing countries, including Botswana, servicing end-users is subjected to high prices and service disparities. The alternative, the Wi-Fi hotspot initiative by the Botswana government, falls short as a solution for last-mile connectivity and access. This study used OPNET simulation Modeler 14.5 to investigate whether Botswana’s national broadband project could adopt WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as an access technology. Therefore, using the experimental method, the simulation evaluated the WiMAX IEEE 802.16e/m over three subscriber locations in Botswana. The results obtained indicate that the deployment of the WiMAX IEEE 802.16e standard can solve most of the deployment issues and access at the last-mile level. Although the findings suggest that WiMAX IEEE 802.16e is more suitable for high-density areas, it could also solve rural areas’ infrastructure development challenges and provide the required high-speed connectivity access. However, unlike the Wi-Fi initiative, which requires more infrastructure deployment and relies less on institutional and regulatory frameworks, the deployment of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e necessitates institutional and regulatory standards