Regulators from Southern African countries take a deep dive into community networks alternatives for digital inclusion

This forum on community networks to foster digital inclusion presented success stories from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where community networks are overcoming connectivity challenges. Despite their effectiveness, these networks face regulatory and financial barriers and it was suggested that they be integrated into the Universal Service Fund to promote universal access to telecommunications services. The importance of collaboration between civil society, regulators and policy makers is highlighted. Argentina, Malawi and Kenya are examples to follow in this field.