Support Latin America´s countries in the identification of the best practices in development and implementation of community networks as innovative connectivity solutions in rural and isolated areas,

This project aims at supporting Latin American countries to identify best practices in the development and implementation of community networks, as innovative connectivity solutions in rural and isolated areas, as well as their technical, regulatory and human capital requirements so that they are consolidated as a viable alternative in territories with limited digital infrastructure. 

The project identified efficient community network models for seven target countries in Latin America, including an alternative connectivity model for Trinidad and Tobago. Best policies and regulatory practices related to community networks, including licensing and spectrum management, were documented and shared with the beneficiary countries. Seven national reports were prepared, providing a comprehensive analysis of community network requirements and opportunities in each country.

A regional toolkit was developed with guidelines for deploying and managing community networks, providing a general description for each target country (except Trinidad and Tobago) on how to establish and operate a community network. The toolkit included appropriate regulatory frameworks and served as a valuable resource for ITU and CAF members in the Americas region.

The project was implemented in partnership with the Corporacion Andina de Fomento (CAF), although it faced significant funding challenges. While ITU provided the full contribution of USD 125,000, only USD 37,500 (30 per cent) of the expected USD 125,000 contribution from CAF was received. Subsequent disbursements were not made despite the submission of required advance reports, which led to the cancellation of several planned activities.

Due to the funding constraints, several objectives were only partially achieved or not reached. No pilot community networks were implemented in the beneficiary countries, and the planned training for local community members and capacity-building meetings for policy decision-makers did not take place. The project achieved approximately 50 per cent of its planned activities overall.

The project had a remaining balance of USD 94,984 (USD 10,847 from CAF funds, returned to the partner, and USD 84,137 from ITU funds, returned to the original source for reassignment to new ITU-D initiatives). Key lessons included the need for clear activity calendars with planned dates, the importance of risk management planning, and the recommendation to define single upfront payments with new partners to mitigate the risk of activity cancellation.