Community Networks: Advancements in Connectivity for Underserved Communities in the Philippines

The newsletter announces the Konektadong Pinoy Act’s passage, enhancing connectivity for underserved Filipino communities. It includes initiatives from several countries and features the Routing for Communities podcast. Additionally, it offers insights on community experiences, policies, funding opportunities, and aims to foster collaboration through its Local Networks initiative.

This newsletter issue celebrates the recent passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act in the Philippines, which aims to enhance connectivity for underserved communities. Advocacy from numerous organizations resulted in this legislation, promising faster network development in rural areas through simplified licensing and expanded access to the radio spectrum.

Furthermore, the newsletter features community-centric connectivity initiatives from various countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. This marks the 78th monthly roundup focusing on developments influencing local access networks and initiatives centered on community engagement.

The 11th episode of the Routing for Communities podcast, hosted by John Garrity from Manila, highlights the challenges encountered in improving connectivity through the USAID Better Access and Connectivity project. The podcast’s first season consists of 12 episodes that provide insight into community experiences worldwide and is accessible on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In India, Layak Ram of the Digital Empowerment Foundation discusses the transformative effects of wireless internet on his community, shared in a video presentation. The newsletter also addresses areas such as gender experiences, enabling policies, research publications, funding opportunities, and a community networks learning repository for resource sharing.

This newsletter is part of the Local Networks initiative, a collaborative effort led by APC and Rhizomatica, which aims to support meaningful community-centered connectivity initiatives while fostering a conducive ecosystem for their growth. Previous editions of the newsletter are accessible for further insights, and interested individuals are encouraged to subscribe for updates or contribute comments about future editions.

The newsletter highlights the significant strides made in enhancing connectivity for underserved communities in the Philippines through the Konektadong Pinoy Act. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and resource sharing across global connectivity initiatives. By fostering collaborative efforts, the Local Networks initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for community-based connectivity solutions.

Original Source: www.apc.org