CNX - Community Network Xchange is a platform to discuss Meaningful Access, and reiterate that even after 30 years of Internet, people are largely living with digital exclusion and suffering from lack of meaningful access; and for those who are still remote, and unconnected, for them alternative means of access is something necessary. As a special offering the cnx 2024 also presented 3b on wheels - bytes beyond bandwidth, the detail of which is further down the page.

Since the first conference in 2017, the Community Network Xchange (CNX) has become a gathering place for those who work with or are interested in community networks to discuss issues like economic and social sustainability, increasing Wi-Fi availability, and connecting Indigenous communities. Every year, practitioners from different nations meet and share their knowledge and experience. This year, the Pacific Asia Conference of CNX met at T-Hub, Hyderabad, coinciding with the DEF-organised Digital Citizen Summit 2024, and had case stories from India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and Nepal along with multiple sessions on understanding the intersections between community networks enabled digital development and gender inclusion, climate action, cultural and language preservation, integration of AI practices for digital inclusion and solidarity practices.

                         CNXPAC DAY 1

1.1 Community Networks and Citizen Rights through Data Literacy and AI Awareness

Community networks, citizen rights, data literacy, and artificial intelligence awareness were the topics of the panel discussion across sessions at CNX 2024, emphasising closing the digital divide and increasing access to AI, but with consciousness. The panelists spoke about problems with dataset biases, inadequate legal frameworks to protect citizens' rights, and limited access to artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of community networks in assisting rural communities in recognizing their problems and gaining digital literacy to address these issues.
It was unanimously agreed that it's crucial to comprehend AI's architecture, data, and purpose before utilising or creating AI solutions. They brought attention to the fact that, particularly in rural areas, AI needs to be inclusive and consider varied usage patterns. Dave Dawson, Senior Communications Coordinator at APNIC, brought attention to the problem of social bias in apparently accurate data and the difficulty of striking a balance between empowering communities through more connectivity and protecting them from exploitation.
Srikant Sinha, CEO of TASK, brought attention to the problem of data exclusion and its consequences, showing how unfair results can result from biases in datasets. The panelists stressed the significance of raising public awareness about the potential outcomes of AI use and the inherent right to life. A call for a people-centric network, with an emphasis on data protection and community-driven literacy programs, was made at the end of the session.

1.2 Social and Economic Impact of Community Networks

In this panel, Members of the Hello World Nepal, BAIF, SwechaAP, and Davao Medical School Foundation Philippines, discussed community networks' monetary and social effects. They shared stories of how they made a difference in their communities, talked about the difficulties of establishing these networks, and offered advice based on their own experiences. Pathardi, India's Community-Centered Connectivity Initiative, which gave young tribal women the tools they needed to start their own digital service businesses, was the subject of a case study given by Rajashree Joshi, BAIF's Program Director. Hello World's Rabiraj Khadka discussed the Hello Hub program in Nepal, which helps people in rural regions gain access to technology and improve their digital literacy. Vending machines for primary healthcare, adoption of iClinicsys for virtual consultations, and improved information dissemination are just a few of the ways the Davao Medical School Foundation in the Philippines is working to improve healthcare delivery in Davao City and Davao del Norte, according to Diana Jean Santos, of the Davao Medical School Foundation-Philippines. Dr. Sripath Roy Koganti of SwechaAP explained how the organization first focused on emergency connectivity problems in Andhra Pradesh's tribal communities, and how they subsequently grew to encompass digital literacy programs. He brought attention to the difficulty of getting kids to utilize the internet for schoolwork because of the potential for diversions rather than concentrated study.

1.3 Challenges in Community-Led Connectivity Initiatives–Voice from the Ground

With an emphasis on the revolutionary power of community networks in closing digital divides, the panel addressed the difficulties encountered by community-led connectivity projects. Speakers cited DigitalShala in Maharashtra and the Totopara Digital Centre in West Bengal as initiatives promoting digital literacy and protecting cultural artefacts in underserved areas. Modern methods of connecting and providing access to STEM fields have been demonstrated by projects such as Makersbox in Lao People's Democratic Republic and IoT-based climate monitoring in Kyrgyzstan. Fostering trust in community engagement, overcoming regulatory impediments, and insufficient internet connectivity were key concerns.
The role of DigitalShala in easing communication between citizens and their administration was emphasized by Nitesh Bharadwaj, Aadiwasi Janjagruti. Shivam, a member of the Uttarakhand Wireless Aid Community Network, emphasized the significance of the network in linking communities, disseminating information about disasters, and improving accessibility in general. To empower isolated farming communities in Lao People's Democratic Republic, MakerBox CEO Ken Streutker emphasized the company's program that provides input devices, software, hardware, technical knowledge, and inclusive STEM education.
Global Digital Inclusion Partnership member Talant Sultanov compared conventional weather stations with Internet of Things (IoT) and LoRaWAN devices, showcasing the latter's autonomy, portability, and low cost. Poor internet connectivity, regulatory barriers, and faith in community participation were among the challenges the panel examined regarding executing community network projects.

1.5 Report Launch - An Exploratory Study of Adoption and Usage of Technology by Rural Women for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment.

The paper "An Exploratory Study of Adoption and Usage of Technology by Rural Women for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment" was the main topic of the panel discussion, which revolved around its release. There has to be more inclusive and empowering answers to the problems that rural women encounter when trying to use technology, especially mobile phones, which the speakers addressed. In rural India, most women do not possess a phone, according to Dr. Sarbani Banerjee Belur, a senior project executive officer at IIT Bombay. An uplifting anecdote from Champawat, Uttarakhand, where women were offered bulk orders during the COVID-19 pandemic was recounted by Rajashree Joshi, Program Director at BAIF, who brought attention to the assumption that female partners are generally handed obsolete phones. The significance of privacy and inclusion in design in developing accessible and empowering solutions for women was emphasized by Ritu Srivastava, Director of Jadeite Solutions and Program Manager at IEEE. Additional research on women's usage of digital tools and the internet, specifically identifying active vs passive users, was suggested by Dr. Suruchi Kumari of the Digital Empowerment Foundation.

1.6 Gender Rights and Meaningful Access among Community of Practices

The panel discussion titled "Gender Rights and Meaningful Access among Community of Practices" explored the obstacles and possibilities women encounter when utilizing technology. It highlighted the revolutionary power of technology and digital literacy in empowering women and the systemic hurdles such as affordability, societal expectations, and ownership. The panelists emphasized that to encourage mental changes and long-term engagement, it is crucial to include patients, establish trust, and showcase believable role models. Systemic hurdles, such as ownership, price, and societal expectations, must be addressed, as Jenny Sulfath, from the Digital Empowerment Foundation pointed out. To make sure the initiative is inclusive and effective, she also said that gender issues should be part of the design process. When discussing gender issues, Sowmya Kidambi, director and chief executive officer of The Barefoot College, stressed the significance of acknowledging varied gender and cultural identities. Ulen Tyekhnologi's Narangarav Adiyasure brought attention to Mongolian women's difficulties, including low self-esteem and a failure to use available resources fully. Information Technology for Change's Chinmayi Arakali presented findings from their Mysore field centers, which helped women gain better access to basic services and their rights.

1.7 Freedom of Expression and Combating Misinformation in a data driven networked society

In this highly attended panel session, panelists addressed the problem of disinformation in today's data-driven culture, drawing attention to the fact that it has spread beyond its original commercial roots to impact wider economic, social, and political spheres. Factors such as the influence on marginalized and indigenous communities, the magnifying effect of internet hoaxes, and the significance of setting in the right to free speech were key. The importance of rigorous fact-checking, cognitive bias training, and widespread digital literacy were highlighted as practical answers. Particularly in more remote places, the profit-driven character of social media and the power of traditional word of mouth were found to be critical in the spread of disinformation.
In 2012, Social & Media Matters founder Amitabh Kumar launched the #keepitreal campaign to document his efforts to combat disinformation. He emphasized that contextual definitions are important and that we must acknowledge varied viewpoints on free speech. As pointed out by Prof. Vinod Pavarala, the crucial difficulty is to strike a balance between free speech and the reduction of risks, manipulations, and harm that come from the spread of false information. In her discussion of "unauthentic information," including misinformation and disinformation, Aindrila Chatterjee brought attention to the particular difficulties of combating misinformation in rural regions.

1.8 3B on Wheel – BYTES BEYOND BANDWIDTH

3B on Wheel—Bytes Beyond Bandwidth was delivered by Ashhar Farhan, Founding Vice-President of LARC, a self-made scientist, entrepreneur and founder of Lamakaan in Hyderabad. The inequitable distribution of telecommunication networks and their failure to adequately service the impoverished were points he brought up. To provide populations without access to the internet a chance to connect, Farhan suggested a minimum communication bandwidth of one bit per second per individual. He demonstrated cutting-edge technology funded by organizations such as DEF, ARDC, COMMSEC, Hamnet EU, and the Lamakaan Amateur Radio Club. This includes a community communication radio system, a mobile GSM base station, and a van-mounted GSM network. To close the digital gap and give voice to marginalised people, Farhan highlighted key developers who worked on these innovations.

Details of 3B on WHEELS: Bytes Beyond Bandwidth

                       CNX-APAC DAY 2

2.1 Digital by Design in Indian Legislation Implications for Meaningful Connectivity for Persons with Disabilities

"Digital by Design in Indian Legislation: Implications for Meaningful Connectivity for Persons with Disabilities" was a panel discussion that examined the present laws and policies that provide sufficient support for people with disabilities (PwDs) in India, with an emphasis on the necessity of inclusive digital transformation in the country. During their discussion of PwD-specific apps and tools, panelists highlighted accessibility issues such as inadequate design and a lack of accessible technology. They stressed the need for individualized assistance and education to facilitate fair participation in digital spaces. Additionally, the special challenges that children with disabilities experience when trying to access online education and services were brought up in the discussion, as were the overlapping hurdles that people with disabilities experience.
To empower people with disabilities and supplement infrastructure development, digital literacy programs are critically needed (R. Chander, Samarth SoochnaPreneur, DEF). Founder and Director of the Youth4Jobs Foundation Jyothi highlighted the difficulties visually impaired people encounter when utilizing digital devices and the significance of participatory design methodologies in developing accessible technology. Director of Policy Advocacy and Communication Mira Swaminathan stressed the importance of conforming to accessible norms in the built environment, transportation, and technology, and the necessity of a mental change. Meanwhile, she pleaded with the privileged to ensure that their spaces were accessible to all.

2.2 Promoting Cultural and Linguistic Diversity through CNs

Panelists at the "Promoting Cultural and Linguistic Diversity through Community Networks" event analyzed how online communities may help indigenous peoples maintain their language and culture. Sustainability, the difficulties of integrating technology into indigenous communities, the power of participatory methods in content creation, and the influence of community radio and podcasts were among the topics covered by the speakers. The importance of preserving cultural history and the slow extinction of scripts due to the internet was brought to light by Ashhar Farhan, the Founding Vice-President of LARC. Community radio stations have an important role in maintaining cultural traditions, according to University of Hyderabad professor Kanchan K. Malik. The significance of community networks in rural and indigenous communities for preserving and promoting their distinct cultural identities was emphasized by Bikash Khatri, Program Director of the Nepal Internet Foundation. Community radio, particularly in the dissemination of traditional music, has a vital role in the maintenance of culture and language, according to Ritu Srivastava, Director of Jadeite Solutions and Program Manager of IEEE. She concurred that the community should have input on "what to broadcast" and other information, honoring their independence and sovereignty.

2.3 Showcasing of Internet Shutdown Game

Internet shutdowns and how they work were the topics of Avinash Kuduvalli's "Showcasing of Internet Shutdown Game" presentation. The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) created this training game to teach players about different shutdown methods, how they affect human rights, and how to get around them. The game employs real-life events and cards to do this. Nine distinct shutdown scenarios were presented during the audience-interactive event. Participants had to diagnose the issue and choose a card from a deck of alternatives to overcome the shutdown and get communication back up and running. As they discussed which strategies would best deal with issues caused by the internet outage, participants worked together and used their critical thinking skills.

2.4 The Role of Public Access Facilities in Community Networks

The panelists spoke about the importance of public access facilities and community networks to empower underprivileged communities. The key to sustainability and building trust was the emphasis on community ownership in the planning, operation, and maintenance of these networks. The panelists emphasized how these programs help communities economically and socially while also bridging digital boundaries. The Hello Hub initiative builds solar-powered community access centers, and the Team Lead of Hello World, Nepal, Melina Shyaula, discussed her time working on the project. Inspiring communities to take responsibility for the hubs' upkeep and use, the initiative promotes a feeling of belonging. According to Hello World's Director of International Technology and Engineering, Dave Mugerwa, public access facilities must prioritise common ownership, inclusive design, and sustainability. With the help of local governments, Immaculate, BOSCO Uganda, set up information and communication technology centers in rural areas of Uganda. Digital Empowerment Foundation Founder and Director Osama Manzar stressed the necessity of last-mile access to empower people and draw attention to the necessity of using the internet for societal, economic, and community gain. Working in Jawahar Taluka, a tribal community in Maharashtra that is geographically isolated and lacks even the most basic mobile access, was an experience that Pooja, BAIF, recounted.

2.5 Wi-DEF - Launching the India Round of Grants to Close the Gender Digital Divide

Launching the India Round of Grants, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is working to bridge the gender digital divide. With this award, we hope to increase the digital resources available to women in India. Accessibility, digital tool creation, digital literacy, online safety, and gender-focused research are the program's primary goals. Additionally, the grant promotes creative endeavours.

Tha is all for now… See you next week. Happy New Year once again.