Africa Community Internet Program Donation Platform Launch | IGF 2023 Launch / Award Event #176

Report

The Internet Backpack was unveiled in a presentation, and concerns were raised about its sustainability, maintenance, and the handling of e-waste. Christine, a regulator at the Uganda Communications Commission, attended the presentation and expressed concerns about the end-of-life management of IT equipment and the resulting e-waste.

She also questioned who would handle maintenance and technical support in case of equipment failure. Christine suggested that community ownership of such technology could imbue significance and support from community members.

Another audience member named Christine raised questions about the provision for technical support and the management of e-waste.

She voiced concerns about the support for operation and maintenance costs and asked about provisions for dealing with e-waste once the equipment reached its end of life.

Discussions took place with a large firm about the lifecycle management of the Internet Backpack and potential e-waste recycling solutions.

It was noted that under US law, manufacturers bear the responsibility for e-waste.

Training on operating the Internet Backpack was discussed, with the belief that anyone who can operate a smartphone can operate the backpack. One slide and videos in English and Spanish were presented for training purposes.

The possibility of local manufacture and a decentralized approach for the Internet Backpack was questioned due to the high shipping costs associated with shipping devices, which can account for up to 80% of the costs.

Additionally, some components may not be available locally in certain countries. Collaboration with local manufacturers or fab labs was suggested as a potential solution.

Co-creation and a community-centered design approach were advocated for, emphasizing the importance of sitting down with community members and designing solutions that meet their specific needs.

It was suggested that solutions could vary based on community needs.

The Internet Backpack comes in different versions, with or without a sound satellite, which affects the price. Furthermore, the design of the backpack is modular, allowing for the connection of additional storage or other features.

The system is not closed and allows for additional connections.

There was curiosity among the audience about the possibility and necessity of a server connection for building a community. The role of an email relay server in the community was also questioned.

A cloud-to-edge solution was discussed, which includes core components such as a router, a battery, and a solar panel.

It was mentioned that users can add additional components as per their needs, including an email server or a separate router.

There was curiosity among the audience if anyone had added a server to the cloud-to-edge solution before.

Unfortunately, no specific evidence or facts were provided to answer this question.

The importance of unlocking universal service funds for financial sustainability was emphasized. The Association for Progressive Communications has been advocating and supporting community networks for many years, and it was noted that business models and organizational compliance are necessary for unlocking funds.

Lastly, there was advocacy for increasing support and capacity building for community networks globally, particularly in Africa.

It was encouraging to see more people advocating and working on increasing skills and capacity. It was also stressed that financial sustainability is as important as social, technical, and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the Internet Backpack presentation sparked discussions and raised important concerns about sustainability, maintenance, and e-waste management.

Training, local manufacture, and community-centered design were also highlighted as key considerations. The different versions and modular design of the backpack provide flexibility for users. The necessity of a server connection and the importance of unlocking universal service funds were also topics of interest.

Overall, there is a need for increased support and capacity building for community networks globally, with a particular focus on Africa.

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Jane Appih-Okyere is an advocate for improving internet connectivity in rural areas of Ghana in order to enhance education outcomes for children and foster teacher professional development. Her research involved setting up an internet backpack in a rural library specifically for teacher professional development.

The introduction of internet access in this setting led to a notable increase in children visiting the library and using online resources, ultimately improving their learning experiences.

One of the key advantages of the internet backpack was the ability for teachers to download and utilize educational videos for classroom teaching purposes.

This provided them with an additional tool to engage and educate their students, enhancing the overall educational experience. Additionally, the centralized internet access fostered stronger social connections among teachers, leading to greater collaboration and the sharing of innovative teaching methods.

This collaboration, in turn, resulted in an improved learning experience for students.

However, Jane Appih-Okyere also noted a gender disparity in the usage of the provided internet access. Although there was initially an increase in girls’ usage, over time their usage decreased, while boys maintained higher levels of usage.

This raises concerns about potential barriers hindering girls from benefiting equally from the educational opportunities provided by the internet. Jane emphasizes the need for further research to identify the underlying factors causing this disparity and develop strategies to ensure equal access and usage for all students.

In conclusion, Jane Appih-Okyere’s research underscores the importance of improving internet connectivity in rural areas of Ghana to enhance education outcomes for children and foster professional development among teachers.

The introduction of the internet backpack in a rural library resulted in increased usage of online resources by children, consequently improving their learning experiences. Moreover, the availability of internet access facilitated collaboration among teachers, leading to the sharing of knowledge and improved teaching practices.

However, Jane’s observation of a gender disparity in internet usage emphasizes the need for further investigation and intervention to ensure equal access and opportunities for all students.

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Community networks have emerged as a solution to address infrastructure gaps in underserved areas, including both urban and remote locations. These networks are built from the community out, allowing for more control over connectivity. This approach is gaining traction as an effective way to bridge the digital divide.

Training local individuals to become trainers themselves is crucial for the sustainability of community networks.

This empowers the community to take ownership of the network and tailor it to their specific needs. Technical, community development, and local grant-making training are key aspects of this process.

Community networks provide an alternative to traditional forms of connectivity that have failed to reach many communities in urban, rural, remote, unserved, and underserved areas.

The success of community networks can be seen in various geographical locations, such as Nairobi, Latin America, and Africa.

Funding is a vital component for community network development. Efforts are being made to decolonize funding, exploring sources such as philanthropic funding, capital from commercial entities and banks.

Initiatives like the UN Giga project aim to increase funding opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spectrum management plays a crucial role in creating community networks. Collaboration with regulators and policymakers is important to effectively utilize licensed spectrum. However, many community networks currently rely on unlicensed spectrum.

Striking a balance between licensed and unlicensed spectrum is necessary for the availability and sustainability of these networks.

Overall, community networks offer a promising approach to address connectivity challenges in underserved areas. By empowering local communities, providing necessary training, exploring diverse funding sources, and navigating spectrum regulations, these networks can create a more inclusive and resilient digital infrastructure for all.

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Community networks are a relatively new and distinct phenomenon compared to high-level broadband networks. These networks play a crucial role in empowering individuals at the grassroots level by equipping them with the necessary skills to establish and maintain their own networks.

This level of empowerment not only leads to greater sustainability but also enables innovative practices to thrive within the community.

Furthermore, it is essential to engage with policymakers, regulators, and parliamentarians to garner support and authorization for the transition and implementation of community network technology.

Policymakers have the authority to enact laws and regulations that govern the use of specific equipment, making their involvement crucial in facilitating the adoption of community networks. By comprehending the concepts and benefits associated with these networks, policymakers can smooth the transition to community network technologies.

The African Open Data International Research Foundation (EODIRF) actively contributes to the development of a network that brings together regional regulators, policymakers, and various organizations involved in internet connectivity across Africa.

EODIRF’s commitment to engaging with policymakers and regulators across the continent aims to collaboratively enhance networks and propel grassroots digitalization. By sharing experiences and knowledge with stakeholders, EODIRF strives to improve network infrastructure and promote the widespread adoption of community networks, ultimately driving socio-economic development.

In conclusion, community networks have a significant impact on empowering individuals at the grassroots level by providing them with the skills needed to establish sustainable and innovative networks.

Engaging with policymakers and regulators is vital for the successful authorization and transition of community network technology. The African Open Data International Research Foundation’s involvement in building a comprehensive network of regional regulators, policymakers, and internet connectivity organizations demonstrates their dedication to enhancing African networks and promoting grassroots digitalization across the continent.

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The analysis reveals several key points related to internet access and the Internet Backpack. An important fact is that around 2.6 billion people worldwide still do not have access to the internet. This lack of internet access has significant implications for issues such as the digital divide and reduced inequalities (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).

The large number of people without internet access highlights the urgent need to address this issue.

However, there are positive efforts being made to improve internet access. One such effort is the Africa Community Internet Program, which was introduced in 2022.

This program aims to increase dialogue with African nations and collaborate with numerous organisations to help increase internet accessibility. This initiative demonstrates a positive step towards bridging the digital divide in Africa, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

Another noteworthy point is the importance of community networks in improving connectivity.

Community networks, which can be powered by the Internet Backpack, are highlighted as a significant contribution to addressing the issue of limited internet access. These networks are owned and operated by members of the community, allowing for greater accessibility and connectivity for local residents.

By empowering communities to create their own networks, connectivity can be extended to areas where traditional infrastructure may not be available or feasible.

Government cooperation is also identified as crucial for improving internet access. The analysis suggests that progress in addressing the issue of limited internet access could be faster, easier, and better with greater cooperation between national governments.

It is encouraging to note that some national governments have already started authorising and allowing community networks, showing a positive shift towards recognising the importance of collaborative efforts in improving internet access.

The Internet Backpack itself is a solar-powered microgrid that serves as an effective solution for improving internet access, particularly in emergency situations.

It is designed to connect up to 250 devices simultaneously, providing connectivity via Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, or satellite. This makes the Internet Backpack a versatile and adaptable solution that can be deployed in various settings and situations.

Furthermore, the sustainability of the Internet Backpack is under discussion with a large firm, particularly in terms of e-waste recycling and lifecycle management.

This demonstrates a commitment to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production) and highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of technological solutions.

The Internet Backpack comes with a full warranty, providing assurance to users about the product’s quality and functionality.

It is designed to be operable without requiring special skills, making it accessible to a wide range of users. To support users, instructional videos in English and Spanish are available to train an Internet Backpack operator. The simplicity of operation, coupled with the availability of training materials, further enhances the user experience and accessibility of the Internet Backpack.

Technical support is available to users, with interactions and collaborations with organisations such as the Internet Society, ICANN, and other local communities per country.

This collaborative approach ensures that users can receive assistance and guidance in operating and troubleshooting the Internet Backpack. Remote support is also provided, allowing for remote access and diagnostics, further enhancing the convenience and effectiveness of technical support.

It is worth noting that there is a commitment to creating an open source version of the hardware, although the software is currently patented.

This commitment aligns with the aim of reducing inequalities (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) and ensuring that the benefits of technology are accessible to all. The open source version of the hardware would allow for greater customisation and adaptation to meet specific needs and requirements.

Lastly, the Internet Backpack is not a closed system and can connect with other storage and devices.

This flexibility allows for seamless integration with existing infrastructure and expands the capabilities of the Internet Backpack. This feature contributes to the versatility and adaptability of the Internet Backpack, making it a powerful tool for improving internet access in various contexts.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the significant issue of limited internet access, with around 2.6 billion people worldwide lacking internet connectivity.

However, there are positive efforts being made to address this issue, such as the Africa Community Internet Program and the use of community networks. Government cooperation is deemed crucial for improving internet access. The Internet Backpack is a solar-powered microgrid that can connect up to 250 devices, providing connectivity in emergency situations.

The sustainability of the Internet Backpack is also under discussion, demonstrating a commitment to responsible consumption and production. The Internet Backpack comes with a full warranty and is designed to be user-friendly, with technical support and remote assistance available. The commitment to creating an open source version of the hardware reflects a commitment to reducing inequalities.

The Internet Backpack is not a closed system and can connect with other devices, providing flexibility and adaptability. Overall, the analysis provides insights into the efforts, features, and potential impact of the Internet Backpack in addressing the issue of limited internet access.

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The discussions held at the UN Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto highlighted the importance of inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind in the expansion of the internet. The focus was on making the internet inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their background or location.

The talks recognized technology as a crucial tool in enhancing community networks and promoting internet accessibility. It was emphasized that technology can play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities.

One of the key initiatives discussed at the forum was the African community Internet program, EODIRF.

The aim of this program is to involve regulators, communities, and parliament members in bringing digitalization to grassroots levels. EODIRF works across Africa and collaborates with regional regulators, policymakers, and other internet-connecting organizations.

The importance of empowering individuals with the necessary skill set to set up and maintain networks was emphasized.

It was noted that people in rural communities need to acquire specific skills to adapt to digitalization. Furthermore, it was suggested that innovation should stay within the community to ensure better sustainability.

During the forum, the concept of the ‘internet backpack’ was introduced as a solution to bridge the digital divide.

This innovative concept allows people to engage with and experience the internet firsthand. The forum participants also emphasized the significance of dialogue, engagement, and innovative solutions, such as the internet backpack, in bridging the digital divide. It was discussed that launching a new opportunity to connect with their website, A-G-C-I-P, could enhance this goal.

One interesting aspect highlighted in the discussions was that the technology being developed for community networks was not designed to be imposed by the West.

Instead, it was designed and innovated by individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti, showcasing the significance of local innovation in shaping technological advancements.

The ultimate goal of the initiatives discussed at the forum, including the African community Internet program, is to bring the technology to the African continent, enabling communities to be self-sufficient and sustainable.

This approach emphasizes community engagement and a bottom-up approach to development, working with communities and building from grassroots levels. The aim is not to export technology but to create an ecosystem where communities can be self-sufficient.

Overall, the forum emphasized the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and engagement in the expansion of the internet.

The discussions brought to light the need for empowering individuals with the necessary skills for digitalization, promoting dialogue and innovative solutions, and fostering local innovation for sustainable development. The participation of all attendees, both physical and virtual, was greatly appreciated, and there is a recognition that more conversations and development are needed to advance the African community Internet program and other similar initiatives.