This newsletter celebrates the Konektadong Pinoy Act’s passage in the Philippines, aimed at enhancing connectivity for underserved communities by simplifying licensing and expanding infrastructure. It features global community connectivity initiatives and highlights podcasts exploring challenges and successes in the field. Readers are invited to participate in discussions and share resources to foster collaborative learning and growth in community networks.
In this month’s newsletter, we highlight the Konektadong Pinoy Act, a new legislation in the Philippines aimed at enhancing connectivity for underserved communities. Advocacy from various societal organizations has led to this pivotal development, which will expedite network infrastructure in rural areas. Key features of the legislation include streamlined licensing, simplified permit processes, and increased investments in communication infrastructure. Additionally, it will expand access to the radio spectrum, promoting broader connectivity efforts across the nation.
We present stories and initiatives from community-focused connectivity projects in several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. This edition serves as the 78th monthly update on advancements affecting local access networks and grassroots efforts to improve connectivity.
Our podcast, Routing for Communities, features its 11th episode with John Garrity from Manila, who shares insights as a policy advisor within the USAID – Better Access and Connectivity project. He discusses the ongoing challenges and efforts to improve access in the region. Listen to the podcast via our page, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, where the first season features 12 enlightening episodes.
In India, network engineer Layak Ram details how wireless internet access has profoundly impacted his community, showcasing the transformative power of connectivity. Watch the full video to explore his experience and the initiative’s outcomes.
Our newsletter also includes sections on gendered experiences, enabling policy and regulation, research publications, and a community networks learning repository. This repository is an online space for exchanging valuable resources tailored for community network training, encouraging participation and knowledge sharing.
The newsletter is part of the Local Networks initiative (LocNet), a collaborative project by APC and Rhizomatica, aimed at supporting grassroots community connectivity efforts across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It seeks to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and effective community-led initiatives.
We invite our readers to access previous editions of this newsletter and encourage others to subscribe. Feedback is always welcome; feel free to submit comments or relevant information for inclusion in future editions.
The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act marks a significant milestone for connectivity in the Philippines, particularly for underserved communities. With advocacy from various organizations, the act promises improved infrastructure and access to technology. Furthermore, the newsletter highlights inspiring community initiatives worldwide, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in achieving equitable internet access. Readers are encouraged to engage with the content and contribute to the ongoing conversation about community-centric connectivity solutions.
Original Source: www.apc.org
