29 Aug
2019
29 Aug
'19
6:58 p.m.
--
Jenny Ryan
People's Open Network <https://peoplesopen.net>
*Building a community-owned and -operated wireless network in Oakland,
California!*
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: World Wide Web Foundation <kara.nash(a)webfoundation.org>
Date: Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 6:05 AM
Subject: đ DIY Internet: Community networks connect the unconnected
To: <jenny(a)peoplesopen.net>
A monthly series from the Web Foundation
View
<https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=ba4f5a221b&e=5eedaa1d25>
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email in your browser
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*Community networks: Internet for the people, by the people*
In the Little Rann of Kutch
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=74ac325abe&e=5eedaa1d25>,
a salt marsh in the remote reaches of India, farmers work in extreme
conditions to extract a rare type of salt. The sea takes over the mudflat
for four months of the year, but for the remaining eight months, 3,500
families â and over 5,000 donkeys â call the region home.
Now, thanks to a van powered by solar panels
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=5d4853af9a&e=5eedaa1d25>,
those families have a link to the outside world
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=096a53e12c&e=5eedaa1d25>
via broadband internet connectivity.
The atenna atop the specially designed vehicle connects to a tower at the
outskirts of the region
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=9f87980c39&e=5eedaa1d25>
to provide WiFi access to users wtihin a 100-metre radius.
The project is one of over 30 community networks supported by the Digital
Empowerment Foundation (DEF)
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=f722791e5f&e=5eedaa1d25>,
in partnership with Internet Society
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=f6eb87d209&e=5eedaa1d25>
.
Community networks deliver access to underserved areas with infrastructure
built, managed and used by local communities, oftentimes in areas that are
financially unattractive for mainstream internet service providers.
In this edition, we look at the do-it-yourself networks built for the
people, by the people â and why public access solutions like community
networks are a key tool for closing the digital divide.
[image: Quotation marks]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=16b0330035&e=5eedaa1d25>
Actually it is not rocket science. It is just an application of existing
technology in a very innovative and beautiful way.
- Osama Manzar,
Digital Empowerment Foundation Founder and Director
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=df7e08ff19&e=5eedaa1d25>
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=938e095c42&e=5eedaa1d25>
The village that built its own wi-fi network - BBC News Africa
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=1dfe4fe2dd&e=5eedaa1d25>
*Community networks Q&A*
[image: Alliance for Affordable Internet logo]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=c737cee828&e=5eedaa1d25>
*Why do they matter?*
Getting online remains a challenge for billions across the globe, thanks in
large part to cost. Community networks can serve as a solution
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=b80fb0d64d&e=5eedaa1d25>.
The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) hosted a webinar
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=d16d7e4d2b&e=5eedaa1d25>
on the topic, featuring experts from DEF and Internet Society.
[image: Landscape with cell towers]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=3934da328e&e=5eedaa1d25>
*What are the benefits?*
Lower consumer costs. Investment in local economies. Development of local
skills. Steve Song
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=07bc59430f&e=5eedaa1d25>,
founder of VillageTelco
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=5011ae5e0c&e=5eedaa1d25>
and Mozilla fellow, explores the reasons to support the growth of community
networks
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=73a4c21237&e=5eedaa1d25>
.
[image: Network links]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=078d671378&e=5eedaa1d25>
*How do they work?*
From clients and servers to frequency ranges and more,
understand the
basics of community networks
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=e89fbbebb6&e=5eedaa1d25>
with this how-to guide
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=15a710fd1a&e=5eedaa1d25>,
edited by Luca Belli
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=164bafc31c&e=5eedaa1d25>
and produced by experts from the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU), FGV Direito Rio and Internet Society.
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=4b7269eb05&e=5eedaa1d25>
*Any success stories?*
In partnership with Internet Society
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=1fe6908b8f&e=5eedaa1d25>,
*Deutsche Welle *profiled three community networks
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=b52e1f9cc1&e=5eedaa1d25>
providing connectivity in the Republic of Georgia
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=fa30be8217&e=5eedaa1d25>;
South Africa
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=c0ac038cf2&e=5eedaa1d25>;
and Zimbabwe
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=07735183e9&e=5eedaa1d25>.
BBC Radio 4 profiled Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN)
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=6d9e0f1ad6&e=5eedaa1d25>,
connecting rural communities in the United Kingdom.
[image: Network nodes with laptops]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=04fbb0d738&e=5eedaa1d25>
*What are the barriers?*
Lack of income. Lack of local skills. Lack of awareness of the potential
benefits. Carlos Ray-Moreno investigates the barriers that prevent the
creation of community networks
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=2d391219a4&e=5eedaa1d25>
or limit the sustainability of pre-existing ones in this report
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=5a9c80688c&e=5eedaa1d25>
for Internet Society.
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=30d4b243e9&e=5eedaa1d25>
*Any lessons learned?*
Ownership by the community and support from the government are essential to
long-term sustainability of community networks, according to lessons
learned from the 43 case studies
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=b27fc98707&e=5eedaa1d25>
featured in Global Information Society Watch
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=8db96ccfc2&e=5eedaa1d25>,
co-produced by APC
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=2593961424&e=5eedaa1d25>
and IDRC
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=f9f93f264d&e=5eedaa1d25>
.
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=05bb7d6648&e=5eedaa1d25>
*Can they drive gender equity?*
Do women tend to be passive users or more active participants in the
operation of community networks? Can community networks help transform
gender roles
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=bdcde61dac&e=5eedaa1d25>?
GenderIT.org takes a look
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=cefdeca434&e=5eedaa1d25>
.
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=0e40c9045d&e=5eedaa1d25>
*How do I start one?*
US-based Next Century Cities
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=cc19a41404&e=5eedaa1d25>
compiled best practices and successful strategies into a toolkit for
communities looking to improve connectivity
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=4c4a3f74b5&e=5eedaa1d25>
.
*Community networks by the numbers*
4.4 million+
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=f48cbf7351&e=5eedaa1d25>
â Unique users connected to Project Isizwe's
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=2d62513f67&e=5eedaa1d25>
1,500+ free WiFi hotspots in South Africa
170
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=3168890a8f&e=5eedaa1d25>
â
Number of engineers the Digital Empowerment Foundation
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=eed92b14f0&e=5eedaa1d25>
trained to operate and maintain community network wireless facilities
$40,000 USD
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=798bce3346&e=5eedaa1d25>
â
Amount of an Internet Society
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=dcdb801235&e=5eedaa1d25>
grant that largely financed the creation of a community network to deliver
access
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=787abc3610&e=5eedaa1d25>
high up in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Georgia (*The New York Times*
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=b6b36238e9&e=5eedaa1d25>
)
*How governments can support community networks*
*Community networks should be a key piece of policy frameworks to achieve
universal access. A4AI Deputy Director and Policy Lead Eleanor Sarpong
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=943d5dc8ed&e=5eedaa1d25>
explains that governments can support community networks in four crucial
ways. *
*1. Establish an enabling policy environment* - Removing regulatory
obstacles to building networks is crucial to attract funding and scale up.
Governments can reduce permitting bottlenecks and set up fees to speed up
deployments. Regulations should be forward looking to encourage innovation
*. 2. Provide financial support â *Funding is necessary to ensure the
sustainability of these networks. Governments, alongside private sector
companies, can fill funding gaps. Universal Service Funds
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=f44931ec77&e=5eedaa1d25>
are an untapped resource
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=21a1b56d0d&e=5eedaa1d25>
that could support the growth of community networks and help close the
digital divide. Governments can also provide access to land and refrain
from taxation for a period.
*3. Open up the space the networks need to operate* â Governments can
allocate spectrum â the radio frequencies that allow for wireless
communication â to enable community networks to develop. This can be
achieved either by specific licenses for these networks or by providing
access to unlicensed spectrum.
*4. Facilitate partnerships with mobile phone operators â *Public access
solutions require commitment from a variety of stakeholders. Governments
can facilitate or even incentivise partnerships with mobile phone operators
to aid in the creation, supply of technology and maintenance of community
networks.
[image: Quotation marks]
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=bf02abc9c5&e=5eedaa1d25>
Community networks have emerged as an increasingly popular means to
providing public access â particularly for rural communities â and are an
important strategy for governments to consider as part of a policy
framework to achieve universal access.
- Alliance for Affordable Internet Affordability Report
<https://webfoundation.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c8e6e91fe1905e99f8b59fd&id=97fdbd9181&e=5eedaa1d25>
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