Introduction:
In a small mountainous village called Shaghap in the Ararat region of Armenia, the lack of opportunities and limited Internet access posed significant challenges for its residents. However, inspired by the transformative power of community networks, the village embarked on a remarkable journey to build a fiber community network, ushering in new possibilities and bridging the digital divide. This inspiring story showcases the impact of community networks and highlights the upcoming Connecting the Unconnected: Europe and Beyond summit, which aims to empower communities worldwide through collaborative efforts.
The Power of Community Networks:
Community networks have emerged as a game-changer in connecting underserved areas where traditional service providers often do not operate. By leveraging local resources and expertise, communities can establish their own Internet infrastructure, thereby enabling access and transforming lives. The Internet Society, a key proponent of community networks, actively supports initiatives to close the global digital divide and advocates for the development of local technical skills.
Shaghap's Journey: From Inspiration to Action:
Shaghap's quest for connectivity was ignited during the 2019 European Community Networks Summit, organized by the Internet Society. At the summit, representatives from community networks worldwide shared their experiences, showcasing success stories from Barcelona, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia. This knowledge-sharing event highlighted the possibilities of community networks and provided valuable insights into leveraging public and private investments while creating enabling regulatory environments.
Empowering Shaghap's Community:
Motivated by the experiences shared at the summit, the people of Shaghap initiated discussions with community members, network operators, the Union of Operators of Armenia, and the Armenian government. With support from the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia and the Public Services Regulatory Commission, a pilot project was developed to deploy the village's first community network.
Overcoming Challenges, Bringing Connectivity:
After overcoming delays caused by local conflicts and COVID-19 restrictions, the project finally commenced in 2021. The Union of Operators of Armenia established the Community Networks Foundation to lead the initiative, partnering with local network operator Arpinet and the Armenian Electronic Network for infrastructure planning. Through the installation of over 18 kilometers of fiber optic cables, connectivity was extended from the neighboring village of Vedy to Shaghap, and an additional two kilometers of cables were laid within the village to connect homes, buildings, and the local school.
Transforming Lives, Enabling Opportunities:
The impact of the community network on Shaghap was remarkable. The local school was finally able to conduct online lessons, expanding educational opportunities for students. The enhanced connectivity also attracted investment from Rostelecom, leading to the establishment of a robotics lab at the school. The local pastry shop experienced increased business and improved safety through video monitoring, while tourists now stay longer and enjoy Wi-Fi access. Furthermore, residents now have access to a wider range of entertainment options at home.
Expanding the Reach, Inspiring Others:
Shaghap's success story gained national attention and was featured in news stories, showcasing the potential of community networks to connect isolated areas. Building on this achievement, plans are underway to expand the community network model to seven other communities near Shaghap, potentially benefiting thousands more individuals.
Connecting the Unconnected: Europe and Beyond Summit:
To further promote the growth of community networks and foster collaboration, the Connecting the Unconnected: Europe and Beyond summit is scheduled to take place in Yerevan, Armenia, on June 6-7, 2023. The summit aims to address technical challenges, explore policy environments and financing mechanisms, and provide training opportunities for deploying community networks in hard-to-reach locations.
Conclusion:
Shaghap's transformation through the establishment of a community network exemplifies the power of connectivity to bridge the global digital divide. By leveraging local resources, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts, communities can bring about positive change and create opportunities for their residents. The upcoming summit in Armenia serves as a platform to strengthen this movement, empower more communities, and accelerate the journey toward a more connected and inclusive world.
