Community-led digital inclusion

Universal service funds as a financing mechanism for community networks in Kenya
Universal service funds as a financing mechanism for community networks in Kenya 12 April 2023 Josephine Miliza

In the COVID-19 era, community networks became increasingly important in meeting the rising demand for affordable connectivity. In Kenya, where community networks are growing in size and number, there was a positive regulatory change in 2021. Read more in this piece from KICTANet.

Cameroon in focus: Community networks as complementary connectivity solutions
Cameroon in focus: Community networks as complementary connectivity solutions 14 March 2023 APC News

Diverse stakeholders and government representatives are meeting to discuss complementary connectivity solutions and the next steps to address the country's and region's digital divide. To support the dialogue, APC and GIZ Cameroon present a new Policy Brief with recommendations.

Community networks for digital inclusion in rural areas: What are the opportunities for Cameroon?
Community networks for digital inclusion in rural areas: What are the opportunities for Cameroon? 13 March 2023 Sylvie Siyam, Josephine Miliza and Carlos Rey-Moreno

This paper highlights the ever-increasing importance of access to electronic communications services in Cameroon and presents regulatory and operational recommendations to make the national environment more favourable to the development of community networks.

Community connectivity providers can be the missing piece to bridge the digital divide
Community connectivity providers can be the missing piece to bridge the digital divide 06 October 2022 Débora Prado

A new report featuring 11 case studies across 10 countries brings evidence that community-led initiatives are needed to bridge the digital divide, and examines how these network models can be financed sustainably. Discover why in this piece about the report’s launch and the inspiring experiences of two community networks, B4RN (UK) and Zenzeleni (South Africa).

Financing mechanisms for locally owned internet infrastructure
Financing mechanisms for locally owned internet infrastructure 22 September 2022 Jim Forster, Ben Matranga and Anoop Nagendra

A growing number of community networks and other community connectivity providers are connecting those who have historically been unserved or underserved by traditional internet service providers. This report analyses the operating models and financing mechanisms that can support their success.

Meaningful connectivity: Pledges to enable bottom-up and rights-based solutions
Meaningful connectivity: Pledges to enable bottom-up and rights-based solutions 06 June 2022 APCNews

Within the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, APC was invited to be part of the "Empowering Communities" focus area lead. In that role, we have been highlighting the importance of commitment to policy, regulation and financial mechanisms to enable bottom-up and rights-based initiatives.

Murambinda Community Network and the Integral Kumusha: “We feel we’re creating a movement that will be unstoppable”
Murambinda Community Network and the Integral Kumusha: “We feel we’re creating a movement that will be unstoppable” 20 April 2022 APCNews

What does it take for communities to make change happen? Discover the elements that make it possible for community networks to emerge and enable rural development in Zimbabwe.

Kenya adopts community networks licensing framework
Kenya adopts community networks licensing framework 23 November 2021 Mwendwa Kivuva for KICTANet

The Communications Authority of Kenya adopted a Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks after holding a public consultation in the country and promoting a process that allowed the development of the framework in partnership with multiple stakeholders.

Policy brief and recommendations for an enabling environment for community networks in Brazil
Policy brief and recommendations for an enabling environment for community networks in Brazil 20 October 2021

This policy brief explores how to better build community network policies to facilitate their emergence and sustainability in Brazil. Its executive summary presents the main recommendations focused on regulation and formulation of public policies

A groundbreaking government programme opens the way for community-based connectivity in Argentina
A groundbreaking government programme opens the way for community-based connectivity in Argentina 03 September 2021 AlterMundi

The Roberto Arias Connectivity Programme seeks to address urgent demands in regions of Argentina affected by digital exclusion.

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