Stockholm Internet Forum 2019

Co-organiser: APC
Session in brief: Affordable access to the internet and telecommunications networks can directly impact democratic participation in online spaces. While connectivity is becoming more pervasive to the point where about half the world has access to the internet, the rate of growth of network infrastructure is slowing in both mobile and internet infrastructure.  There is an opportunity to re-think affordable access by embracing innovations in licensing strategies, Universal Service Funds, affordable access to spectrum, and recognition of the value of new organisational models such as cooperatives, common-pool-resource organisations and other non-profit initiatives which have proven to be viable alternatives to commercial models.  This session will examine some of these alternative and complementary models and how they are already contributing towards opening up spaces for participation for those left behind by the telecoms market.