Community networks importance in reaching the last mile

[Amali De Silva - Mitchell]

Dear DC Connectivities

As most of you know my origins were as a community ISP provider out of Vancouver Canada to the urban population pre large telcos. 

I just want to mention that in Canada the rural communities are being currently  provided by smaller ISPs taking the broad band connectivity of the large Telcom to the last mile. I think this is the case for other countries as well, although not well recognized or publicized. Perhaps a need to showcase more use cases through intersessionals - of interest to all? 

Elon Musk provided satellite, helpfully for islands and off shore work etc. Connectinf the world for places such as mountainous Bhutan, but still there is a need for land connectivity. Hybrids as well. 

I thank this community for it's dedicated work and in Sri Lanka I can see a real need for rural community networks as the reach of the urban networks is limited. 

Also no charge internet is a real Want for the western countries as well. Healthcare service will depend on that. 

Just want to voice my great appreciation for all your works over the years!

Amali De Silva-Mitchell 

Cord/ Chair IGF DC DDHT