The digital divide has become a critical matter, especially after the coronavirus pandemic swept our world, forcing many to stay home. Urban areas, concentrated in major cities and capitals, have suffered greatly, and remote areas found themselves in real isolation, day and night.
Community networks offer a solution.
Thank you for joining an interactive online panel discussion about community networks, held on 7 December at 12:00 PM UTC where you could learn more about these “do it yourself” networks, built by people for people.
This event promoted a concept new to the Middle East and North Africa region: getting Internet access by creating “community” networks. These are established partnerships between residents of remote areas and major telecommunication companies with simple self-financing, or through an existing civil society organization.
Agenda (All times are in UTC)
- 12:00 – 12:10: Welcome Remarks & General Overview on Community Networks – Jane Coffin
- 12:10 – 12:20: Community Network Technical and Policy Related Information – Juan Peirano and Max Stucchi
- 12:20 – 12:40: Case Study: Practical Experience from Europe – Ucha Seturi
- 12:40 – 13:00: Role of Governments and Existing Regulations – Robert Pepper
- 13:00 – 13:20: Q&A
- 13:20 – 13:30: Closing Remarks – Jane Coffin
