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--- international-organisations:start [2021/07/28 05:10] – [Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)] carlos
+++ international-organisations:start [2023/06/16 17:19] (current) – added menu steve
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+^  [[country-profiles:start|Country Profiles]]  ^  *  ^  [[good-practice:start|Good Practice]]  ^ *  ^  [[public-consultation:start|National Consultations]]  ^  *  ^  [[international-organisations:start|International Orgs]]  ^  *  ^  [[other:start|Other]]  ^
 ======= The Role of International Organisations =======
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 In this section, the different organizations, and their processes, where such an advocacy has taken place are first described and, where the outputs contain favorable language, excerpts beneficial for community networks included. As some people may want to go straight to the latter, without necessarily wanting read the entire wiki, the most favorable wording, classified by year, can be found at:
-  * 2014: [[start#wtdc-17| WTDC's ITU-D Recommendation 19]].
+  * 2014
-  * 2017: CITEL
+    * [[start#wtdc-17| WTDC's ITU-D Recommendation 19]].
-  * 2019:
+  * 2018
-  - Inclusion of CNs in the UN ECOSOC's [[start#cstd-19 | WSIS Resolution]].
+    * The [[start#permanent_consultative_committee_i_-_pcci | presentation]] of the “The implementation of Recommendation 19 from ITU-D for the Americas Region”.
-  - Africa Union [[start#african_union_commission | Declaration]] requesting the promotion of CNs.
+  * 2019
-  * 2020:
+    * Inclusion of CNs in the UN ECOSOC's [[start#cstd-19 | WSIS Resolution]].
-  - Community Networks featured in different [[start#other_itu-d_repots_and_studies | ITU-D reports]].
+    * Africa Union [[start#african_union_commission | Declaration]] requesting the promotion of CNs.
-  - [[start#itu-d_study_groups | ITU-D Study Groups reports]] recommending regulation enabling CNs.
+  * 2020
-  * 2021:
+    * Community Networks featured in different [[start#other_itu-d_repots_and_studies | ITU-D reports]].
-  - Specific consultation and report about CNs at the [[start#cwg-internet | CWG-Internet]].
+    * [[start#itu-d_study_groups | ITU-D Study Groups reports]] recommending regulation enabling CNs.
-  - Inclusion of CNs in the preparatory documents for [[start#wtdc-21 | WTDC-21]] as well as in the draft Action Plan for some regions.
+  * 2021
+    * Specific consultation and report about CNs at the [[start#cwg-internet | CWG-Internet]].
+    * Inclusion of CNs in the preparatory documents for [[start#wtdc-21 | WTDC-21]] as well as in the draft Action Plan for some regions.
+    * The final versions of the reports of the [[start#itu-d_study_groups | 2017-2021 cycle for Questions 1/1 and Question 5/1]] incorporate several mentions to CNs, highlighting as part of the lessons learned during the cycle how they can contribute to close the digital divide.
+    * Very favorable language for community networks in the [[start#gsr_-_2021 | Best Practice Guidelines from the Global Symposium for Regulators 2021]].
 ====== Global Organizations ======
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 At the Plenipotentiary Conference in 2018 (PP-18), community networks became a hot topic for debate, as the Americas region delegation brought forward a proposal for a resolution in their support, that was eventually rejected.
-<todo> Future addition: describe a bit more what happened at PP18 itself, as well as the process at the different regional preparatory meetings that led to that resolution being proposed. </todo>
 ==== ITU Council ====
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 // 15th session CWG-Internet //
-The topic for the 15th session has already been decided: "The role of the Internet and international Internet-related public policy in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and possible future pandemics" and the ITU is expecting submissions by the 20th August. More information is available here ((https://www.itu.int/en/council/cwg-internet/Pages/consultation-feb2021.aspx))
+The topic for the 15th session was: "The role of the Internet and international Internet-related public policy in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and possible future pandemics"
+and the ITU is expecting submissions by the 20th August. More information is available here ((https://www.itu.int/en/council/cwg-internet/Pages/consultation-feb2021.aspx))
+The Deadline was the 20th August 2021, and contributions are already available here ((https://www.itu.int/en/council/cwg-internet/Pages/consultation-feb2021.aspx)), including the one from the Association for Progressive Communications and Derechos Digitales which discussed the role of community networks in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.{{ :international-organisations:apcderechosdigitalessubmission_itucwginternet_august2021.pdf| Download}}
+In the public session held on the 20th September, many speakers mentioned the need for fostering community networks, and so it was captured in the Chairman's summary under the steps to expand meaningful internet connectivity {{ :international-organisations:s21-opcwgint9-210920-dl-0001_msw-e.docx | Download}}:
+<callout>"Fostering community networks to reduce digital divides while taking into consideration national and international policies in this regard".</callout>
 === World Telecommunications Policy Forum (WTPF) ===
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 Different stakeholders have been engaging on the preparatory meetings since the beginning of the process, making contributions to the draft report by the Secretary General:
+  * APC made a submission supporting Community Networks in the report to the first draft of the report. {{ international-organisations:wtpf-21_comment_21_aug_2019.pdf | Download Document}}.
   * APC made a submission entitled "//Mobilizing New Solutions for Connectivity and Community Networks//" to the third draft of the report. {{ international-organisations:apc_wtpf-21_d3_infrastructure.pdf | Download Document}}.
   * ISOC made also a submission in support of Community Networks to the third draft of the report. {{ international-organisations:isoc_wtpf-21_d3.docx | Download Document}}.
-  * APC made a submission supporting Community Networks in the report to the first draft of the report. {{ international-organisations:wtpf-21_comment_21_aug_2019.pdf | Download Document}}.
 The report is in its final stages with only final edits to be added to it. So far, APC edits were successful as they were enabled under the euphemism of "//complementary access solutions//". Including more specific language will involve continued push, but room has been made to accommodate them in the Opinions as instances of new solutions.
+Additionally, the report is accompanied by Opinions, that contain more nuanced recommendations around the topics in the report. These Opinions are discussed in the different meetings of the Expert Working Group. APC submitted comments to:
+* 4th Virtual Meeting, suggesting language around the impact of emerging technologies to the climate crisis. {{ :international-organisations:s21-wtpf21ieg4-c-0003_msw-e.docx | Download}}.
+* 6th Virtual Meeting,  suggesting language around complementary access models and community networks. {{ :international-organisations:210805_wtpf-21_d6_ieg_submission.pdf | Download}}.
 ==== ITU-D ====
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   * APC's contribution to the September 2020 session contained an earlier version of the "//Expanding the Telecommunications Operators Ecosystem: Policy and Regulatory Guidelines to Enable Local Operators//" report((https://www.itu.int/md/D18-SG01.RGQ-C-0385/en)).
   * ISOC, in collaboration with APC, Article 19 and IBE Brazil, made a contribution to September 2020 session, entitled "//Creating an Enabling Regulatory Environment for Community Networks//" ((https://www.itu.int/md/D18-SG01.RGQ-C-0338/en))
+In August 2021 the final report of Question 1/1 was released. It contains an entire section on "Establishment of community networks" from ISOC's submission as well as several good recommendations in licensing and spectrum from APC's contributions contained in the **[[good-practice:start| Good Practice]]** section of this wiki. {{ :international-organisations:strategies_and_policies_for_broadband_deployment_2021.pdf | Download}}.
 == Question 5/1: Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas ==
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   * The Annual Deliverable 2019-2020 from ITU-D Study Groups Question 5/1((https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/oth/07/23/D07230000020001PDFE.pdf)) includes "//the following recommendations can be made for now: [...] Ease regulatory requirements for community network operators//".
-  * In the "//Working document - Draft Final Report for ITU-D Question 5/1//" presented at the September 2020 session ((https://www.itu.int/md/D18-SG01.RGQ-C-0321/en)), the document contained several references to Community Networks, in particular:
-    * Section "//6.2 - Community Networks and village connectivity//",
-    * Section "//6.4 - Strategies to promote small, non-profit community operators//", and
-    * Section "//9.2 - Recommendations//", that contains the following text: "//It is important for an optimum mix of licensing models should be used for connecting rural and remote areas. The mix can include [...] the community network model, where small and medium operators are run by local entrepreneurs or cooperation or groups//"
   * Brazil's delegation submission to September 2019 also mentioned community networks ((https://www.itu.int/md/d18-sg01.rgq-c-0195))
   * Côte d'Ivoire submission to the September 2019 meeting ((https://www.itu.int/md/d18-sg01.rgq-c-0213)) highlights the Lomé (Togo) workshop organized by the West African Regulators Association (WATRA), APC and ISOC from 26 to 28 June 2019, where policy makers and Telecommunication/ICT Regulatory Authorities, discussed the need to consider community networks as a viable form of connectivity. The participants at this workshop call for reflection at the international level through the ITU for a more global response to this concept.
+In August 2021 the final report of Question 5/1 was released. It contains plenty of references to the contributions aboove throughout the text. Mainly the third lesson learned in the executive summary {{:international-organisations:telecoms-icts_for_rural_and_remote_areas_2021.pdf | reads}}:
+<callout> "Community networks are an important part of connectivity ecosystems, and they help bridge the digital divide". </callout>
+Additionally:
+    * Section "//6.2 - Complementary access and village connectivity networks//",
+    * Section "//6.4 - Strategies to promote small complementary operators//",
+    * Section "//9.1.4 - Conclusions about Financing mechanisms//", that contains the following text: "//Community networks are one of the options available to meet current Internet connectivity challenges, and the logistics and administration of community networks are less expensive because of their scale and local nature. They can also be sustainable as they frequently make use of renewable energy such as solar power//"; and
+    * Section "//9.2 - Guidelines for Member States//", that contains the following text: "//It is important for an optimum mix of licensing models should be used for connecting rural and remote areas. The mix can include [...] the community network model, where small and medium operators are run by local entrepreneurs or cooperation or groups//"
+Part of the inclusion of this wording in the document was due to contributions to earlier versions of the document that were made available for consultation like the "//Working document - Draft Final Report for ITU-D Question 5/1//" presented at the September 2020 session ((https://www.itu.int/md/D18-SG01.RGQ-C-0321/en)).
 === Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) ===
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 == GSR - 2020 ==
-Somehow disappointedly given the attention all other ITU processes had give to Community Networks during 2020, and even GSR itself during 2019, GSR-2020 didn't quite discuss it during it's virtual session ((https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Conferences/GSR/2020/Pages/default.aspx)).
+Somehow disappointingly given the attention all other ITU processes had give to Community Networks during 2020, and even GSR itself during 2019, GSR-2020 didn't quite discuss it during it's virtual session ((https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Conferences/GSR/2020/Pages/default.aspx)).
   * APC made a contribution to it's public consultation prior to the event to try to include Local Operators as part of the discussion ((https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Conferences/GSR/2020/Documents/APC-Local-Operators_contribution-GSR20.pdf)).
+== GSR - 2021 ==
+Somehow surprisingly, but consistent with the change of trend within the ITU about favorable language for community networks, the GSR 2021 Best Practice Guidelines ((https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Conferences/GSR/2021/Documents/GSR-21_Best-Practice-Guidelines_FINAL_E_V2.pdf)) do include references to community networks in two places:
+  * When describing "Regulatory tools are at hand to bridge the funding and financing gap in digital markets" it includes: "Promote local innovation ecosystems and provide incentives for the participation of small and community operators in deploying low-cost rural networks, including specific licensing measures, access to key infrastructure and funding, and social coverage promotion programs."
+  * When describing how "Spectrum innovation is key for the digital future" it includes "Adopt a multifaceted approach to freeing up additional spectrum in the
+low, mid, and high bands for a variety of business plans to successfully meet the need for additional network capacity while facing finite spectrum resources, including releasing spectrum for the establishment of community networks on a technology-neutral basis."
 === Other ITU-D repots and studies ===
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 === Permanent Consultative Committee I  - PCC.I ===
-Most of the progress at the regional and international level has taken place through engagements at PCC.I. For instance the resolutions proposed at both [[start#wtdc-14| WTDC-14]] and [[start#pp-18| PP-18]]. Although those were not passed, other progress has taken place thanks to this engagement:
+Most of the progress at the regional and international level has taken place through engagements at PCC.I. For instance the resolutions proposed at both [[start#wtdc-17| WTDC-17]] and [[start#pp-18| PP-18]]. Although those were not passed, other progress has taken place thanks to this engagement:
   * Structures within PCC.I. The names and objectives of the Rapporteurships were modified during one of the PCC.I meetings attended. As part of this, we were successful in adding a specific term of reference on community networks in Rapporteurship 1.4., which is the Rapporteurship on "//Broadband, universal access, digital inclusion and gender equality//". The term of reference states as follows: "//b) Encourage the study, creation, and strengthening of public policies, regulatory frameworks and incentives conducive to new service mechanisms in non-served or under-served areas, particularly in rural areas involving the participation of indigenous peoples, other peoples, community operators, non-profit operators, and small operators.//"
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 ==== UNESCAP ====
-In Asia Pacific, community networks are a relatively new topic. Still, they were discussed in 2019 at the Third Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Steering Committee and WSIS Regional Review and included in its deliberations((https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Summary%20Report%20-%20Third%20AP-IS%20SC_0.pdf)).
+In Asia Pacific, community networks are a relatively new topic. Still, they were discussed in 2019 at the Third Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Steering Committee and WSIS Regional Review, in an event organized by ISOC and UNESCAP and included in its deliberations((https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Summary%20Report%20-%20Third%20AP-IS%20SC_0.pdf)).
+On the 18th August 2021, a second edition of the event were community networks were discussed took place ((https://unescap.org/events/2021/asia-pacific-regional-community-networks-summit-2021-innovating-policymaking-connect)). The final documents of the summit are still being produced, but draft versions incorporate very positive language about the role that community networks can play in the region.