Local connectvity and community-based networks take a grassroots approach to providing viable alternatives to traditional internet access models by the use of networking and other technologies by and for a local community. Although not new, there is a growing movement of local connectvity and community-based networks (fueled by emerging technologies and the success of proven and scalable traditional networking and connectivity technologies) that operate local communication infrastructure that is built by local communities and organizations in a bottom-up and democratic manner.

This workshop will discuss specific examples of local connectivity and community-based network solutions in Mexico, South Africa and India to identify the challenges to making them sustainable and scalable. The panelists will cover the policy and regulatory frameworks required.

Examples of ongoing and successcul projects in this area include:

Rhizomatica's successful development and deployment of community networks in Mexico, in particular with indigenous communities. They are now also helping to develop a more enabling policy and regulatory environment for community networks in the Latin American and Carribbean region.

Altermundi's (Argentina) development of a high performance Mesh Router (Libremesh)

Colnodo's deployment of mobile community networks in Colombia based in the experience of Rhizomatica in Mexico.

Digital Empowerment Foundation's Wireless For Communities (W4C) in India supported in collaobration with the Internet Society.

Fantsuam Foundation's Rural Community Wireless Network and Training Centre - ZittNet - in Nigeria.

Núcleo de Pesquisas, Estudos e Formação (Nupef) is working to develop two pilot community network pilots in unserved areas in Brazil.

Zenzeleni (South Africa) and Altermundi  are working to develop a Solar Powered Mesh router development.