How governments can support community networks
Community networks should be a key piece of policy frameworks to achieve universal access. A4AI Deputy Director and Policy Lead Eleanor Sarpong explains that governments can support community networks in four crucial ways.
1. Establish an enabling policy environment - Removing regulatory obstacles to building networks is crucial to attract funding and scale up. Governments can reduce permitting bottlenecks and set up fees to speed up deployments. Regulations should be forward looking to encourage innovation .
2. Provide financial support — Funding is necessary to ensure the sustainability of these networks. Governments, alongside private sector companies, can fill funding gaps. Universal Service Funds are an untapped resource that could support the growth of community networks and help close the digital divide. Governments can also provide access to land and refrain from taxation for a period.
3. Open up the space the networks need to operate — Governments can allocate spectrum — the radio frequencies that allow for wireless communication — to enable community networks to develop. This can be achieved either by specific licenses for these networks or by providing access to unlicensed spectrum.
4. Facilitate partnerships with mobile phone operators — Public access solutions require commitment from a variety of stakeholders. Governments can facilitate or even incentivise partnerships with mobile phone operators to aid in the creation, supply of technology and maintenance of community networks.
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