Community Networks Readiness Assessment

This module presents the introduction to the CN Movement and the common governance structures and models that could be adopted for deploying a successful CN. It also covers the specific roles of different CN actors such as the champions, community members, etc. Lastly, it addresses the common challenges and assumptions faced when deploying a CN.

This module focuses on understanding the telecommunications sector stakeholders that are necessary to engage when deploying and running a sustainable CN. It covers some of the technical considerations necessary for deploying a CN including, service provision licenses, spectrum licenses, operating infrastructure.

This module focuses attention on the financial aspects related to deploying and running a successful CN. It begins with highlighting the costs associated with setting up and operating a community network. It then explores the different CN business models being implemented on the ground and finally delve on the need and process of developing financial projections and spending limits. The module concludes with some ideas on most common services adopted to diversify and grow the income of a CN

This module presents a practical process of creating the baseline. It details how to 1) Identify the community in need of a CN including identifying the champions and defining the value proposition for a CN 2) Identify functions and service of the CN 3) Develop a list of the potential functions, service, and roles for the community network. 4) Identify the telecommunications frameworks for the service, network, and spectrum. 5) Identify all enabling telecommunications regulatory frameworks for the community to operate different telecommunications services. The module also covers the process of undertaking an initial technical design and deployment of the network and design an appropriate strategic and sustainable organizational structures

This module covers that practical process of how to engage with the different stakeholders associated with deploying a community network. This includes carrying out a community mapping exercise and creating buy-in necessary for a successful and sustainable CN. The process includes documenting connectivity needs, engaging the telecom sector stakeholders to test the research, Testing availability of backhaul services and the initial network design, Discussing and defining the tasks, skills, responsibilities, and structure of the community network and discussing and testing the costs and income assumptions

This module presents the techno economic tool for evaluating the readiness of deploying a CN. The tool helps the learner test the core assumptions and viability of the final assessment and ascertain if the community and key stakeholders are capable and willing to take the concept forward.

This training course covers critical aspects of a community network’s deployment and sustainability. It will provide methods to analyze and assess if a community has favorable conditions for deploying and operating a successful network. The course will also share some practical elements related to operating quality and affordable telecommunications services in a given location.