local access

Community-owned networks provide alternative, locally driven and sustainable solutions that are critical in addressing connectivity gaps in Africa. To explore these solutions, the Virtual Summit on Community Networks in Africa is taking place starting 30 September 2020.

Based on recent changes in the telecommunications industry, this paper analyses solutions for the expansion of the telecommunication operator ecosystem.

Welcome to the 28th monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks.

The 1st Technological Faena proposed installing a community intranet for the assembly. They would start by preparing a basic virtual browsing experience that would allow users to download files and take them to their communities without using the global internet and without the need for mobile data.

The Connecting the Unconnected catalytic interventions grant enabled the TunapandaNET community network to collaborate with Murambinda Works in Zimbabwe to address the “after access” challenges of locally relevant content and platforms.

As a part of the ITU's pandemic response, the platform REG4COVID was launched, providing a space for regulators and civil society to share their own initiatives. APC asked their community network partners to contribute to the platform, given the general absence of civil society input.

Welcome to the 27th monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks.

Nontsokolo Sigcau, better known by those around her as Mama Sigcau, is one of the pillars in the community of Mankosi as well as one of the original Zenzeleni Mankosi Cooperative directors, and has been involved in the network through its multiple phases over the last seven years.