unconnected.org shares insights on community networks course

A pilot course on Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives and Social Entrepreneurship was hosted by the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship for Asia and Association for Progressive Communications. 

unconnected.org and several member-partners attended the course, primarily to level off understanding on principles governing CCCIs and an evolving typology based on practices in different parts of the world. Insights from evolving models and experiences of CCCIs from countries in Asia were also shared. 

unconnected.org shared various network architecture options being implemented by ISP member-partners, highlighting that CCCI models are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The local expertise of ISPs are essential for efficiency in network deployment. 

CCCIs are seen as a social entrepreneurship interventions in the digital economy and as an evolving segment of social enterprises. unconnected.org engages with licensed local internet service provider (ISP) to offer free connectivity for schools and areas of social impact, and ensuring compliance to existing regulations. 

The Philippines is also soon to enact Konektadong Pinoy, which is seen as an enabler of CCCIs. With Konektadong Pinoy, CCCIs whose sustainability relies on the effective socializing of upstream and deployment costs, are able register with the regulator to offer affordable internet services.