Session
Time
Thursday, 26th June, 2025 (07:00 UTC) - Thursday, 26th June, 2025 (08:00 UTC)
About this Session
Why talk about local connectivity and community networks for affordable universal access? Internet connectivity is today a basic condition for the exercise of fundamental rights, access to education, health, citizen participation and economic development. However, millions of people in rural, indigenous and peripheral areas continue to face digital exclusion, demonstrating that traditional deployment models have failed to close the gap. In this context, community based networks have proven to be a viable, sustainable and deeply rooted alternative to bring connectivity to historically underserved communities. These initiatives, driven by social organization, local knowledge and collaborative work, challenge the idea that only large operators can guarantee access.
This session proposes a multi-sectoral conversation on the challenges and opportunities faced by these networks: How can they be recognized and strengthened through public policy? What regulatory frameworks and financing models would allow for their expansion? What alliances should be forged to guarantee universal, affordable and meaningful access? Addressing these questions not only contributes to the construction of more inclusive and effective policies, but also recognizes communities as protagonists of their own digital development.
This session proposes a multi-sectoral conversation on the challenges and opportunities faced by these networks: How can they be recognized and strengthened through public policy? What regulatory frameworks and financing models would allow for their expansion? What alliances should be forged to guarantee universal, affordable and meaningful access? Addressing these questions not only contributes to the construction of more inclusive and effective policies, but also recognizes communities as protagonists of their own digital development.
The discussion will focus on several policy guiding questions from the ones listed below:
Policy and Regulation
- How can inclusive policies and stronger regulatory frameworks close the digital divide, lower internet costs, and enforce accessibility standards?
- What national policies are needed to advance digital literacy alongside infrastructure development, and how can they be tailored for women, youth, and the elderly?
- How should national regulations be adapted to support the legal establishment and operation of community networks?
- What regulatory reforms can ease access to spectrum for non-profit community networks?
- How can community networks be formally recognized within the connectivity ecosystem?
- What spectrum models (shared use, social licenses, unlicensed spectrum) can better support community networks?
Financing and Sustainability
- What funding mechanisms and incentives can support sustainable local connectivity initiatives?
- How can Universal ICT Funds be structured to effectively finance community networks?
- What tax incentives or exemptions can reduce financial barriers for community networks?
- How can funding be prioritized for underserved areas and community-led initiatives?
Recognition and Integration in Public Policies
- What value propositions can governments offer Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to support meaningful connectivity efforts
- What roles should different stakeholders play to achieve affordable, sustainable, and universal internet access?
- How can successful community networks be supported through national and local public policies?
- How can community networks be formally integrated into national, departmental, and municipal connectivity plans?
Participatory and Local Governance
- What forms of community governance should be recognized in public policy frameworks?
- How can rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities effectively participate in connectivity policy-making?
Multi-sectoral Collaboration and Partnerships
- What models of local ownership and community-led governance can be adapted to different contexts?
- What strategic alliances between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector can boost community network development?
- What role can universities and research centers play in supporting community networks?
Meaningful Ownership and Digital Rights
- What measures can promote meaningful Internet access in rural areas beyond just technical connectivity?
- How can public policies align Internet access with its recognition as a fundamental right and essential service?
- How can policies strengthen digital skills and community-led technology appropriation?
Organizers: NRI organizers listed here:
- Henry Wang, Singapore IGF
- Judith Hellerstein, IGF-USA
- Julián Casasbuenas G., - Colombian IGF
- Levy Syanseke, Youth Zambia IGF
- Poncelet Ileleji, The Gambia IGF
- Suzete Centeio, Cabo Verde IGF
- Tiago Martins, Portugal IGF
- Una Wang, Singapore IGF
- Shin Yamasaki, Japan IGF
- Zeina BOU HARB, Lebanon IGF
- Ahmed Farah, North African IGF
- Fotjon Kosta, Albania IGF
- Kasun Tharaka, Sri Lanka IGF
- Mary Uduma, West African IGF
- Marcelo Valenzuela, Chile IGF
- Elia Gabriela (Rachel Gaby) Vasquez Hermoso, Panama IGF
- Saba Tiku, Ethiopia Youth IGF
- Lilian Chamorro, LACIGF
Speakers designated by the NRIs multistakeholder committees will be confirmed by 10 May 2025.
Session Time
Thursday, 26th June, 2025 (07:00 UTC) - Thursday, 26th June, 2025 (08:00 UTC)