Colnodo statement to the Global Digital Compact Thematic Deep-Dive session on digital inclusion and connectivity

Talking on behalf of Colnodo, a not-for-profit NGO based in Colombia and taking into account the discussions we had so far in the Colombian IGF for the Global Digital Compact.

Community networks can make a significant contribution to the purpose of connecting all people to the Internet. [Community networks refer to the telecommunications infrastructure implemented and operated by a local group to meet their own communication needs]. Already mentioned by representatives of UK and Mexico.

To this end, we consider is important to (basic principles):

1. Recognize the model of community networks to provide connectivity to unconnected populations in areas where there is no interest from commercial providers. It is important that community networks are recognized within the communications ecosystem and that they are given access to government support for their deployment.

2. Ensure that unconnected communities have access to their fundamental rights. Internet access is a right recognized by the United Nations and is also an enabler of other rights (to communication, knowledge, education, health, work, among others).

3. Regulators must take into account equity, human rights, freedom of expression, and the rights of indigenous peoples. Their role is not only to monitor commercial operators, they should not only be arbiters of markets and technological regulation and create technical and numbering provisions, but should also be guarantors of human rights for underprivileged populations.

4. Public policies should contribute to community connectivity and not be an obstacle. Community use licenses should be granted for telecommunications and broadcasting services. Assigning the spectrum only for commercial purposes is an anachronistic and exclusionary practice.

5. Local community operators must be recognized in the market.

So the key actions that should be taken by the different stakeholders include:

• Governments should recognize and support the community network model to provide connectivity to unconnected populations in areas where there is no interest from commercial providers. They should ensure that unconnected communities have access to their fundamental rights and create public policies that encourage community connectivity. In addition, governments should grant community use licenses for telecommunications and broadcasting services, and allocate spectrum for community use and not only for commercial purposes.

• The private sector must recognize and value the role of community networks as an innovative and sustainable model for providing connectivity in rural and remote areas. They should support and collaborate with local community operators and encourage the use of appropriate and affordable technologies for communities.

• Civil society should support and promote the development of community networks and raise awareness of their importance and value in connecting unconnected populations in rural and remote areas. They should support and collaborate with local community operators, and encourage the active participation and training of communities in the management and maintenance of community networks.

• Academia should support and promote research and development of appropriate and affordable technologies for community networks. They should collaborate with local community operators and communities to provide technical training and support in network management and maintenance. They should also raise awareness and promote the value of community networks in connecting unconnected populations and their impact on the economic and social dynamization of the territories.