In today’s digital age, Internet connectivity is not just a luxury, it is a cornerstone of everyday life. Yet, despite significant advancements in technology, many communities still face barriers to accessing reliable Internet services. This is where community-centred connectivity initiatives come into play, emphasizing the need for localized solutions that address the unique challenges faced by different communities.
With support from the APNIC Foundation, I had the privilege of attending the Community Networks Exchange (CNX) and the Digital Citizen Summit (DCS) in November 2024 in Hyderabad, India. These collaborative events served as vital platforms towards advancing a vibrant community of practice dedicated to community networks and digital technologies. While I have participated online in previous editions of CNX, this was my first opportunity to engage face-to-face, and the experience was both educational and inspiring.
The digital divide remains a pressing global issue, with significant disparities in Internet access based on geography, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Many rural and marginalized communities still lack the resources and infrastructure necessary for reliable Internet access. Community-centred connectivity initiatives aim to bridge this gap by building local solutions that are both affordable and sustainable.
Community-centred connectivity — often referred to as community networks — empowers local communities to take control of their Internet access and infrastructure. This approach recognizes that one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to meet the diverse needs of different communities, especially the poor and marginalized. Instead, community networks leverage local knowledge, resources, and engagement to create sustainable and effective connectivity solutions.
The APNIC Foundation supports a variety of connectivity initiatives, including community networks.
CNX and DCS events as catalysts for change
CNX, established in 2017, provides a necessary space for understanding and advancing the emerging movement of community networks in Asia and beyond. This year, CNX showcased community-led access solutions and models and raised important discussions on sustainability and innovation alongside knowledge sharing, networking, and advocacy. DCS, held for the first time in 2024, offered a multistakeholder platform to discuss digital rights and citizenship, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and meaningful Internet access.
I had the honour of moderating a panel on measuring the impact of community connectivity at CNX, and at DCS, I spoke about our work on developing models of community networks linked to social enterprise and local economic development. These projects are supported by the APNIC Foundation and implemented in Bangladesh, China, and the Philippines.
One of the most significant contributions of events like CNX and DCS is their role in knowledge sharing. These brought practitioners, policymakers, and community members together to share insights and experiences. These featured a variety of workshops and panels covering a wide range of topics related to community connectivity.
Experts led discussions on best practices, innovative solutions, advocacy, and policy work with governments, addressing the challenges faced by communities. The hybrid format of the events ensured broader participation, allowing stakeholders from various parts of the Asia Pacific region and beyond to engage in meaningful dialogue. In addition to live discussions, these events provided access to valuable resources, including toolkits, case studies, and research findings that can be implemented in local contexts. This resource distribution is crucial for building capacity and empowering community leaders to effect local and meaningful change.
Networking plays a crucial role, bringing together individuals and development workers from different backgrounds who share the common goal of improving connectivity in their communities. These gatherings help build relationships among practitioners, policymakers, and advocates, leading to collaborations that strengthen community initiatives. I had the chance to share our work in ISEA with other APNIC Foundation grantees and learn from their experiences.
Similarly, I had the opportunity to learn from peers who shared the successes and challenges in their communities. Meeting individuals from across the Asia Pacific region — many of whom I had only previously connected with via email or Zoom — was a highlight of my experience.
CNX and DCS are also important platforms for raising awareness about the digital divide. These gatherings highlighted key connectivity and digital inclusion issues, sparking discussions on potential solutions. By shedding light on the challenges faced by underserved communities, they encouraged stakeholders to take action. After my session at DCS, local students approached me to learn more about our model-building project and asked if I could feature it on their podcast.
A fundamental principle of community-centred connectivity is the empowerment of local communities. Events like CNX and DCS emphasized the importance of local solutions and the need for communities to take charge of their connectivity needs. By prioritizing community-led solutions, these events promoted self-sufficiency and resilience. They underscored the importance of involving local stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the community. Funders who invest in initiatives that prioritize local engagement are more likely to see sustainable outcomes.
As community networks grow, discussions about sustainability and scalability become increasingly important. At CNX and DCS, participants engaged in discussions on the long-term sustainability of community networks, including funding models, governance structures, and maintenance strategies that can help ensure the longevity of these initiatives. Moreover, I noted how successful initiatives can be scaled or replicated in other contexts. By learning from stories of success and lessons learned, I engaged with other speakers and participants on strategies for expanding reach and impact. This scalability is crucial for addressing the digital divide on a larger scale, and funders can play a key role in supporting these efforts.
Building a collective identity to help drive progress
Finally, CNX and DCS contributed to building a collective identity among practitioners in the field. By bringing together individuals and organizations with similar missions, these events cultivated a shared purpose and contributed to the formation of a community of practice.
This ongoing engagement is essential for fostering innovation and collaboration in the field. I left CNX and DCS with a renewed sense of commitment to my work and a deeper understanding of the broader movement for community-centred connectivity. Funders and stakeholders who engage with this community can stay informed about best practices and emerging trends, ensuring that their investments remain relevant and impactful.
At the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), we are committed to similar efforts through our ‘Multi-Stakeholder Platform on Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development (TISD)’. In 2022, with the support of the Association of Progressive Communications (APC) as a co-convener, we focused on building and strengthening community networks as social enterprises, creating and enabling ecosystems for such initiatives. We regularly host learning sessions and release knowledge resources on this topic. Additionally, we are developing an impact study on community-centred connectivity initiatives using Social Return on Investment (SROI) and development indexing, along with an Asia Community Network Mapping Report soon. To learn more, please visit the ISEA TISD Platform.
By attending and participating at CNX and DCS, I had the opportunity to contribute to a movement that prioritizes local solutions, empowers communities, and ultimately creates a more inclusive digital landscape for all. The journey toward community-centred connectivity is ongoing, but with the support of initiatives like CNX and DCS, we can work together to build a more connected future — one that leaves no one behind and prioritizes those who are furthest behind first.
Gomer Padong is a Supervising Programs and Development Cooperation Specialist at the ISEA. He also is the Asia Policy and Regulations Coordinator for the Local Networks (LocNet) Initiative implemented by the Association for Progressive Communications and Rhizomatica. He was the Project Coordinator of the Model Building of Community Networks linked to Social Enterprise and Local Economic Development supported by the APNIC Foundation as part of ISIF Asia 2022.
The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.