Connecting the unconnected: towards a more inclusive digital economy (ISOC)

Arguments

Mr. Carlos Baca, based in Mexico and participating from Colombia, is focused on helping indigenous communities develop their own communication projects and solving connectivity issues

Supporting facts:

• He has been working with indigenous communities for over 20 years

• Has helped develop a community-owned mobile network in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico

• Works with cooperatives and universities to develop local products and services platform

Topics: Connectivity, Indigenous communities, Communication projects

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Report

Carlos Baca is an individual based in Mexico and Colombia who has dedicated over two decades of his life to working with indigenous communities. His primary focus is to assist these communities in developing their own communication projects and resolving issues related to connectivity.

Carlos strongly believes that connectivity is more than just a project; he sees it as a powerful tool for enhancing community communication processes and empowering local economies. One of Carlos’ notable achievements is his contribution to the development of a community-owned mobile network in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

This initiative has provided indigenous communities with access to mobile services, bridging the digital divide in these areas. In addition to his work with indigenous communities, Carlos collaborates with cooperatives and universities to establish a platform for local products and services.

This platform creates opportunities for communities to showcase and market their unique products, stimulating local economic growth and promoting sustainability. Carlos has also designed an affordable community-based mobile model tailored to the needs of rural indigenous communities. A notable feature of this model is that the revenues generated from mobile services are shared with the communities, ensuring direct benefits for them.

Currently, Carlos is focused on expanding the network he helped establish and developing strategies to enhance digital literacy and inclusion. He aims to empower indigenous communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the digital world. Overall, Carlos Baca’s work and commitment to assisting indigenous communities in achieving connectivity and developing their own communication projects are highly commendable.

His efforts not only strengthen community communication processes but also promote economic growth and empowerment within these communities. The sentiment towards Carlos and his work is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the significant impact he has made and continues to make in this field.

Arguments

While it’s important to bring people online, it’s equally important to assess what they are doing once they are connected

Supporting facts:

• A user survey revealed that people were predominantly using the network for entertainment

• The goal is for people to use the Internet productively to learn new skills and unlock their potential

Topics: Digital Skills, Internet Access, Digital Economy

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The digital economy shouldn’t only be about consumption, it should be inclusive and everyone should be able to create

Supporting facts:

• Even if people are online, they are mostly online as consumers

• The goal is to build digital skills that allow community members to create and share in the digital economy, not just consume

Topics: Digital Economy, Internet Use, Inclusion

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Internet connectivity has improved awareness and engaged the rural community

Supporting facts:

• Community network became operational in 2022

• Increased engagement in online conversations in the community

Topics: Internet Connectivity, Rural Development, Digital Inclusion

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Internet connectivity has fostered the creation of a local digital economy in the rural community

Supporting facts:

• Aim to replicate users into digital citizens

• Belief in possibility to emerge from a village into global digital entrepreneurs

Topics: Internet Connectivity, Local Digital Economy, Rural Development

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Report

The speakers in the discussion emphasise the importance of internet connectivity and highlight the need for individuals to use it productively. They point out that simply bringing people online is not enough; it is equally important to assess what they are doing once they are connected.

A user survey revealed that people were predominantly using the network for entertainment purposes. The goal is for people to use the internet productively to learn new skills and unlock their potential. Furthermore, the speakers stress the significance of building digital skills and fostering innovation in rural communities.

They argue that even if people are online, they are mostly online as consumers rather than active participants in the digital economy. The aim should be to empower community members with digital skills that allow them to create and share in the digital economy, not just consume.

They mention the emergence of digital entrepreneurs who provide training, and community members learning coding online. The focus is on building digital capabilities to compete globally. Citizen participation is highlighted as a key aspect in ensuring community connectivity. The speakers provide examples where communities were able to get funds and infrastructure to connect villages due to the proactive involvement of citizens.

They argue that some communities will remain unconnected unless citizens themselves take action. This demonstrates the significance of individuals taking responsibility in bridging the digital divide. The speakers also discuss the positive impact of improved internet connectivity in rural areas.

They note that the community network became operational in 2022, and there has been an increase in engagement in online conversations within the community. This highlights how internet connectivity has improved awareness and engagement in rural communities. Additionally, the creation of a local digital economy is seen as a positive outcome of internet connectivity.

The speakers aim to replicate users into digital citizens and believe in the possibility of emerging from a village into global digital entrepreneurs. This demonstrates the transformative power of internet access in fostering economic growth and opportunities in rural areas.

Overall, the speakers underline the importance of internet connectivity and productive use, the need to build digital skills and innovation in rural communities, and the crucial role of citizen participation in ensuring community connectivity. The improved internet access has led to increased engagement, awareness, and the creation of a local digital economy.

This analysis provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges associated with internet connectivity in rural areas.

Arguments

The Internet Society has organized a session to discuss inclusive ways of connecting unconnected communities globally and the opportunities these connections provide.

Supporting facts:

• Internet Society’s vision is that the Internet is for everybody.

• Session includes Digital Empowerment Foundation from India, Mammaila Community Networks from South Africa, and Rizomatika Community Networks from Mexico

Topics: Internet Society, Digital divide, Community networks

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Approximately 2.7 billion people, mostly in rural, remote, low-income communities, currently do not have access to the Internet.

Supporting facts:

• A third of the world’s population is unconnected to the Internet.

• Most unconnected individuals reside in rural, remote, or low-income areas.

Topics: Digital divide, Rural communities, Connectivity

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The Internet Society is advocating for different and new approaches to connectivity, such as community networks, which can complement traditional telecommunication operations.

Supporting facts:

• Community networks are built by and for the communities they serve, connecting them to the rest of the internet.

• Telecommunication operators sometimes have difficulty reaching certain communities due to various circumstances.

Topics: Internet Society, Connectivity, Community networks

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Community network can be a point of access for the unconnected communities

Supporting facts:

• The project Internet Roshni in Assam state, India, provided community network for access to government entitlements, health, education, and financial transactions.

• The adoption of community networks led to digitisation of local indigenous languages and cultures in the said projects.

Topics: Unconnected communities, Digital Access, Community Networks

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Inadequate connectivity and digital exclusion are major global concerns

Supporting facts:

• Approximately 2.7 billion people on earth are not connected to the internet. Even among the connected population, many are not meaningfully connected due to infrastructure and affordability issues.

• India, with its 1.4 billion population, has 52% of its people who have not used internet at all.

Topics: Digital Exclusion, Connectivity

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Emerging policies that promote digital-only transactions contribute to digital exclusion

Supporting facts:

• Many governments are implementing policies that mandate online transactions.

• These digital-only policies tend to exclude those who are not fully connected, thus violating basic human rights.

Topics: Digital-only policies, Digital Exclusion

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Carlos Baca’s organization works with indigenous communities in Mexico and Colombia, helping them develop communication projects and provide connectivity

Supporting facts:

• The organization has been working with indigenous communities for approximately 20 years

• They have developed a community-owned mobile network that currently operates in 13 communities in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico

Topics: communication, connectivity, indigenous communities

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Community-based mobile operators or MVNOs provide affordable service to local, indigenous, rural communities

Supporting facts:

• MVNOs are a new type of mobile network operator that don’t own the infrastructure they use

• One example is the Union de Cooperativas Tosepan-Titanisque coopertive in Mexico

Topics: MVNO, rural communities, affordability

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MVNOs are not simply about connectivity, they also support community projects and empower communities

Supporting facts:

• Revenue from the MVNO’s services is shared with the communities

• Digital literacy and inclusion strategies are also promoted as part of the MVNO project

Topics: connectivity, community projects, empowerment

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Online platform for local product and service exchange is being developed

Supporting facts:

• The platform is being designed in a participatory way

• It will include an inventory of local products and services, and a mechanism for their exchange

Topics: Online platform, Product exchange, Service exchange

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Community networks can be an effective solution for last-mile connectivity challenges in remote and rural areas.

Supporting facts:

• Osama Manzar shared an example of Sittilingi, a village in Tamil Nadu, India, where the entire village of indigenous community faced challenges in connectivity. The village was on the verge of shutting down their handcrafted product shops due to inability to market. DEF helped to bring internet to their locality

Topics: Last-mile connectivity, Rural Development, Digital Divide, Telecommunication

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Training local communities can empower them to maintain and manage their own networks.

Supporting facts:

• After installation of the internet connection in Sittilingi, the local community was trained to manage network issues. They were able to handle minor issues on their own, without requiring DEF team’s physical presence.

Topics: Community Development, Education, Digital Literacy

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Last-mile connectivity solutions need to be frugal, sustainable, replicable and scalable.

Supporting facts:

• The speaker noted that telecommunications companies aren’t investing in last-mile connectivity as it’s not commercially viable for them. Thus, it is crucial to come up with solutions that are cost-effective and scalable to address this issue

Topics: Telecommunications, Sustainable Development, Innovation

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Community networks can be used to create economic hubs in rural areas.

Supporting facts:

• The speaker advocated creating geographical indication-based, product-based destinations using community network methodologies. Such hubs can attract business and tourism, boosting local economy and creating a sustainable economic ecosystem.

Topics: Economic Development, Rural Development, Tourism, Craft Industry, Agriculture

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Remote areas could be developed into co-working spaces leveraging community networks.

Supporting facts:

• As people are getting tired of working in the cities, remote areas could be developed into co-working spaces utilizing the community networks. This would also support rural economies and reduce urban-rural divide.

Topics: Remote Work, Digital Nomad, Rural Development

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Report

The Internet Society has organized a session to discuss inclusive ways of connecting unconnected communities globally and the opportunities these connections provide. Currently, around 2.7 billion people, mostly in rural, remote, or low-income areas, lack access to the internet. This digital divide hinders social and economic development.

The session emphasizes the importance of alternative connectivity approaches, such as community networks, which can complement traditional telecommunication operations. Community networks are built by and for the communities they serve, bridging the gap for those not adequately served by mainstream telecom providers.

To address this issue, the Internet Society aims to increase the number of community networks globally. They have committed to bringing internet access to 100 new communities by 2025 and training 10,000 individuals to maintain these networks. This approach empowers communities and fosters digital inclusion.

Inadequate connectivity and digital exclusion are global concerns. Policies that promote digital-only transactions can exclude individuals lacking full internet access, violating their basic rights. Therefore, legislation should consider the level of connectivity before implementing such policies. Community-based mobile operators, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), offer affordable services to local, indigenous, and rural communities.

These operators don’t own the infrastructure they use, making their services cost-effective. MVNOs not only enhance connectivity but also support community projects and promote digital literacy. Community networks have proven successful in projects like Internet Roshni in Assam, India, providing access to government services, health, education, and finance for unconnected communities.

Community networks also preserve local languages and cultures. Last-mile connectivity remains a challenge in remote areas. Community networks have shown effectiveness in addressing this issue, as seen in Sittilingi, India, where they prevented the closure of local businesses. Training local communities to manage network issues has empowered them for independent network maintenance.

Frugal, sustainable, and scalable solutions are needed to address last-mile connectivity challenges. Telecommunication companies often overlook last-mile connectivity due to commercial viability. Finding viable solutions ensures connectivity reaches all areas. Community networks play a significant role in economic development. By creating product hubs through community networks, rural areas can attract business and tourism, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Furthermore, remote areas can be developed into co-working spaces by leveraging community networks. This supports rural economies and reduces the urban-rural divide. In conclusion, the Internet Society’s session highlights the importance of inclusive connectivity. Community networks empower communities, bridge the digital divide, and create opportunities for social and economic development.

Affordable access, digital literacy, and connectivity-focused policies are crucial to achieve a more connected and inclusive society.

Arguments

Internet connectivity is not meaningful for a significant portion of the global and Indian population due to issues with affordability, device availability, bandwidth, etc.

Supporting facts:

• Almost 2.7 billion people globally are not part of the internet user community

• Around 52% of Indian population have not used internet

Topics: Internet Connectivity, Digital Divide, Affordability

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Digital only policies put unconnected populations at a disadvantage, violating their basic rights

Supporting facts:

• Several governments make policies mandating online transactions or access to rights

Topics: Digital Policies, Digital Divide, Human Rights, Inclusion

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The Digital Empowerment Foundation in India utilizes community networks to connect marginalized, unconnected communities

Supporting facts:

• The foundation started building its own antennas and buying backhaul from far away to provide connectivity in disconnected areas

Topics: Community Networks, Digital Empowerment Foundation, Rural Connectivity

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Community networks are beneficial access points that connect communities to vital services and opportunities

Supporting facts:

• In Assam, India, community networks have allowed tea garden workers to access healthcare, education, and financial transactions

Topics: Community Networks, Digital Inclusion, Education, Healthcare

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Community networks are essential for connecting remote or rural areas

Supporting facts:

• Example of Sittilingi village in Tamil Nadu, where connection to internet saved a handcraft made product shop from closing down

• Establishment of community networks in remote areas help in providing necessary services like health care, education and agriculture.

Topics: Internet Connection, Rural Areas, Community Network

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Telcos unwilling to provide last mile connectivity

Supporting facts:

• Telecom companies find it unprofitable to provide services in areas with fewer users.

Topics: Telecom Companies, Internet Connectivity, Rural Areas

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Need for frugal, sustainable, scalable solutions

Supporting facts:

• Addressing the issue of last-mile connectivity, the speaker suggests replicable methodologies to convert communities into data communities

Topics: Community Network, Sustainability, Scalability

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Report

The analysis examines multiple arguments surrounding the significance of community networks in connecting marginalized and unconnected communities. It emphasises the challenges faced by these communities, such as the lack of internet connectivity due to issues like affordability, device availability, and limited bandwidth.

For instance, it states that almost 2.7 billion people globally are not part of the internet user community, and approximately 52% of the Indian population have not used the internet. This clearly demonstrates the scale of the problem and the importance of finding solutions.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the negative impact of digital-only policies. It suggests that such policies put unconnected populations at a disadvantage and potentially violate their basic rights. It points out that several governments have made policies mandating online transactions or access to rights, which can further exacerbate the divide between connected and unconnected populations.

On the positive side, the analysis presents the Digital Empowerment Foundation in India as an example of utilising community networks to connect marginalized and unconnected communities. The foundation has started building its own antennas and buying backhaul from distant locations to provide connectivity in disconnected areas.

This initiative demonstrates the potential of community networks to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities. Moreover, the analysis underscores the crucial role of community networks in providing access to vital services and opportunities. In Assam, India, community networks have allowed tea garden workers to access healthcare, education, and engage in financial transactions, thereby improving their overall well-being.

This evidence highlights the positive impact of community networks in connecting communities to essential services. Additionally, the analysis argues that community networks are essential for connecting remote or rural areas. It provides an example of Sittilingi village in Tamil Nadu, where connection to the internet saved a handcrafted product shop from closing down.

Furthermore, community networks in remote areas help provide necessary services like healthcare, education, and agriculture. These examples highlight the potential transformative power of community networks in underserved areas. In terms of barriers, the analysis states that telecom companies find it unprofitable to provide services in areas with fewer users, resulting in a reluctance to offer last mile connectivity.

This poses a significant challenge in bridging the digital divide and highlights the need for alternative solutions like community networks. The analysis also emphasises the need for frugal, sustainable, and scalable solutions to address the issue of last-mile connectivity. It suggests replicable methodologies to convert communities into data communities, which would enable the creation of community networks on a larger scale.

Furthermore, it showcases the potential economic benefits of community networks. It illustrates thriving businesses in Sittilingi village, Tamil Nadu, after gaining internet connectivity. Additionally, community networks can be used to create a local business ecosystem and attract visitors. These examples highlight the potential for community networks to generate livelihoods, foster economic growth, and reduce inequalities.

In conclusion, the analysis portrays community networks as vital interim solutions that connect marginalized and unconnected communities to the internet and socio-economic opportunities until seamless connectivity can be provided by telecom companies. It sheds light on the challenges faced by these communities, the negative impact of certain policies, the benefits of community networks, and the potential for economic growth and empowerment.

Ultimately, the analysis underscores the importance of community networks in bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity in the modern world.