New Tools and Global Initiatives to Strengthen Community-Led Connectivity
APC
- Launch of the 'Community Network Builder', a tool designed to help communities estimate deployment costs and manage variables for network sustainability
- Expansion of grassroots connectivity initiatives, including new national strategies in Nigeria, ICT training camps in Indonesia, and regional sustainability courses in Latin America
- Integration of gender-focused digital inclusion research and security training for women human rights defenders
Recent Developments and Regional Highlights
- Nigeria: Implementation of a National Strategy for Community-Centred Connectivity and the inaugural national bootcamp
- Mexico: A landmark judicial ruling by the Electoral Tribunal upholding the rights of community radio stations to freedom of expression
- Colombia & Brazil: Collaborative efforts to bring reliable internet to agricultural and Indigenous territories
- Kenya: Utilizing solar power to stabilize community networks while providing digital skills and e-learning training
Upcoming Events and Funding Opportunities
- Key events scheduled include the Nigeria CCC Bootcamp (Sept 28–Oct 4), the V Encuentro Nacional de Redes Comunitarias (Sept 28–Oct 2), and AfriSIG in Ghana (Oct 27–Nov 1)
- Open funding windows for projects, including the Canadian CRTC Broadband Fund and the AFD 2026 call for civil society project intentions
- Ongoing expansion of the community-driven learning repository for sharing toolkits, manuals, and technical expertise