Session
Organizer 1: Ihueze Nwobilor, Paradigm Initiative
Speaker 1: 'Gbenga Sesan, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Leon Cristian, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Mike Jensen, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 75
Format description: The room layout will create the expected conducive atmosphere for the kind of conversation we will be having during the session, which will enable everyone in the room to contribute to the conversation.
1. What policy and regulatory frameworks can best support last-mile connectivity initiatives? 2. How can emerging technologies like Low Earth Orbit satellites, 5G, and Television White Spaces be leveraged to bridge the connectivity gap sustainably? 3. What role do public-private partnerships and community-driven models play in ensuring affordable, long-term access to the Internet?
What will participants gain from attending this session? - Practical knowledge of innovative connectivity models and best practices. - Insights from experts on policy and regulatory frameworks supporting last-mile solutions. - Opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders driving digital inclusion initiatives. - Actionable recommendations for improving connectivity in their respective regions.
Description:
Despite significant progress in global internet expansion, millions remain unconnected, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved regions. Bridging the last-mile connectivity gap is crucial for ensuring digital inclusion and achieving meaningful connectivity for all. This session will explore innovative solutions, policies, and business models aimed at addressing last-mile challenges, including community networks, public-private partnerships, emerging technologies like Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, 5G expansion, and alternative spectrum management approaches. The discussion will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and grassroots connectivity initiatives to share best practices, examine case studies, and propose scalable solutions. Participants will also explore financial and regulatory strategies that can facilitate sustainable last-mile connectivity efforts. This session aims to generate actionable insights to inform global internet governance discussions, ensuring that unserved and underserved populations can equitably benefit from the digital economy and essential online services.
- Identification of key policies and strategies that can accelerate last-mile connectivity solutions. - Enhanced collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and community networks. - Policy recommendations to be shared with IGF stakeholders and other decision-making bodies.
Hybrid Format: - Live streaming and interactive Q&A for remote participants. Paradigm Initiative’s IT team will work with the IGF secretariat technical team to set this up and ensure it runs smoothly. - Dedicated moderators to facilitate in-person and virtual discussion - Pre-session online consultation to gather input and post-session follow-up for continued engagement.