MoU signed with Tanzania Community Network Alliance

Tanzania Community Networks Alliance and Basic Internet Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 22nd of July 2020.

The Tanzania Community Networks Alliance (tzCNA) is registered in Tanzania under the Non- governmental Organisation. tzCNA advocates for meaningful universal connectivity that contributes towards positive impact in the digital economy. The network alliance vision is to be the association for community networks and community-based telecommunications networks that deliver affordable communication services in Tanzania.

Tanzania Community Networks Alliances believes that the use of community based bottom-up approaches is among feasible solutions to address the digital divide. It is the only remaining alternative to be embraced in achieving meaningful universal connectivity in Tanzania

Basic Internet Foundation promotes free access to information for all, and has established community-driven informations spots to provide free access. The Foundation's distributed architecture opens for a quick deployment of a cost-effective Internet distribution worldwide, allowing for a reception of a 3Gl4G network even in areas with no connectivity. The costs of the infrastructure itself is as cheap as a mobile phone, about 300 USD. For a CAPEX of about USD 1100 we enable lnternet access for everyone in the society. While lnternet links are expensive, its information spot solution has OPEX of typically USD 15-20 per month. Given the cooperative model for digital inclusion, they expect that an information spot can have OPEX costs of less than USD 10. Their business model for freemium access to internet is sustainable, though needs a collaboration of stakeholders.

The goal of the collaboration is to promote digital inclusion through Information Spots, connecting communities, schools, villages and regions. Through the pilot operations, we will establish the proof of concept for digital inclusion, societal empowerment and innovation acceleration in selected regions in Tanzania. The proof of concept is the basis for project proposals extending into other places, and to invite shareholders in the digital inclusion.

Our call for action entails invitation of shareholders to the digital inclusion agenda and project, entrepreneurial experts, funding mechanisms via donor institutions, partners from both the public and private sectors and other non-governmental organisations.

Two examples addressing the role of broadband, regulations and municipal networks. And they leave the question: What can we do to give everyone free access to information? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Brenda Jimris-Rekve