2019 Asia-Pacific Regional Community Networks Summit

Home to over 4 billion people and covering more than 50 countries and territories, Asia-Pacific is the largest and most diverse region of the globe. The region accounts for more than half of the world’s mobile subscriber base, while only 7% of people in the region have fixed broadband access. Connecting the unconnected remains a major challenge for both governments and the industry.

Over the last few years, community networks have emerged as a complementary way to connect people and to allow for low-cost, community-driven solutions to be developed to connect people in underserved locations. However, these community-led solutions face a number of challenges that require policymakers and regulators consideration so that they may flourish.

The summit was a one-day program covering a range of topical issues related to community networks and their future in the Asia-Pacific region. We had opening and plenary sessions, as well as a roundtable discussion.

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This multistakeholder dialogue covered technology, best practices, regulations and socioeconomic issues; highlighted community network projects in the region as best practice; and included policy options for infrastructure sharing, spectrum allocation, and universal service funds.

This event was jointly organized by ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) and the Internet Society.

Watch the recording:

Date and Time

Thursday 29 August 2019