Coverage in remote areas and technological autonomy

DESCRIPTION:

This line explores and proposes public policy alternatives, spectrum management, business models and technological innovation to achieve coverage in remote regions. It also addresses the study and development of relevant technologies for telecommunication and communication projects in remote areas and indigenous communities. It takes into special consideration the generation of capacities of the communities through self-sustaining processes to aim their own development objectives.

PRINCIPLES:

The connectivity solutions that have shown to be efficient over time are those created, managed, maintained and used by the communities. From this starting point, some basic principles are:

• Autonomy of communities in decisions concerning technology.
• Technological pertinence.
• Reflection on the possibilities and risks of ICT.
• Affordability.
• Sustainability.
• Capacity building.
• Usability and possibility of technological transformation.

RESEARCH PROJECTS:

• Legal framework for community networks in Latin America.
• International and national advocacy.
• Community intranets.
• Community mobile telephony.
• Techio Comunitario.

PUBLICATIONS:

• Fundamental elements for a policy of full coverage of telecommunications in Mexico (2019).
• Community Networks in Latin America: Challenges, Regulations and Solutions (2018).
• Our technologies in our own terms: autonomy and sustainability in indigenous communication in Mexico (2018).
• Community networks in Mexico: a path towards technological autonomy in rural and indigenous communities (GIS Watch) (2018).
• Weaving technological autonomy in indigenous peoples: community mobile telephony in Oaxaca, Mexico (in book: Governance and Internet regulations in Latin America) (2018).
• Community Mobile Telephony Manual (2017).
• The radio spectrum as a common good: a reflection on communality and community mobile networks in Oaxaca, Mexico (2017).
• The Promotion of ICT for Development and Indigenous Peoples: Extension or Communication? (2007).
• Communication Technologies (ICT) for local development: community appropriation of telecentres (2006).