1.
Please list 4-5 stakeholders or stakeholder groups that you would engage as a meso
organisation in your country and their role in championing or supporting community
networks.
Ans: a) Local Government or Panchayat Leaders : These leaders can play a crucial role in
identifying areas that lack adequate internet connectivity. They also help build trust within the
community, which is essential for successful implementation. Additionally, they can facilitate
the use of public spaces for setting up necessary infrastructure.
b) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) : TRAI can offer essential guidance on
regulatory compliance for community networks. They help in understanding the rules around
licensing and spectrum allocation. Their support ensures the network operates within legal
frameworks.
c) Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges) : Schools and colleges can serve as central
hubs for providing internet access in rural or underserved regions. They also contribute by
promoting digital literacy among students and youth. Their participation ensures that
educational benefits of connectivity are fully realized.
d) Local NGOs or Social Enterprises :These organizations are vital in engaging the
community and spreading awareness about the benefits of connectivity. They also help in
training users and ensuring long-term sustainability of the network. Their grassroots presence
makes them effective facilitators of change.
e) Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Technology Companies : ISPs and tech firms can
offer reliable and affordable internet backhaul to support the network. They may also
contribute by providing equipment at discounted rates. Furthermore, technical collaboration
with them can strengthen the network's performance and scalability.
2. Imagine you are a meso organisation and have been invited to a meeting with the Telecoms
regulator in your country. Please prepare a stakeholder engagement strategy using the
questions below as [Link] opportunities do community networks have to bridge the
digital divide equitably? What challenges do/would community networks have in operating
within the current policy and regulatory framework?
Ans:
• Opportunities:
Localized Access in Remote Areas
CNs offer a scalable model to connect geographically isolated or low-income areas
that commercial ISPs often ignore due to low profit margins.
Empowerment through Local Ownership
CNs are typically owned and operated by the community, encouraging local
entrepreneurship, skill development, and sustained interest in digital adoption.
Promotion of Digital Inclusion
Community-driven networks allow inclusive access across genders, ages, and socio-
economic groups, enabling participation in education, health, and e-governance.
Cultural and Linguistic Relevance :CNs can tailor content and services to the
local language and culture, making digital tools more accessible and meaningful.
Support for Public Services
These networks can serve schools, primary health centres, and local government
offices, strengthening service delivery.
• Challenges:
Licensing and Legal Barriers
Most CNs are unable to afford or meet the criteria for ISP or Unified Licence
categories, limiting their ability to operate legally.
Access to Spectrum
Lack of dedicated or unlicensed spectrum bands for rural/non-commercial networks
hinders technical deployment and quality of service.
Infrastructure Sharing Limitations
Existing policies often do not prioritize infrastructure sharing for small-scale or
community networks, leading to high capital costs.
Lack of Policy Clarity and Support
Current frameworks lack tailored guidelines or recognition of CNs as a valid model
within India’s digital strategy.
Sustainability Constraints
Without institutional support, community networks struggle to access funding,
training, and partnerships needed for long-term viability.
• Our Engagement Approach:
Listen First – Understand the regulator’s current policy priorities and concerns.
Show Real Stories – Share success stories from other community networks that have
improved lives.
Offer Solutions – Suggest pilot programs, use of unlicensed spectrum, or simplified
license options for rural areas.
Ask for Collaboration – Request technical and legal support to help communities
comply with the law without heavy costs.