RECon (Response to Emergencies by Community Networks)

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT 

The project aims to strengthen Internet resilience in disaster-prone rural and remote areas of Mexico and Argentina. It will collaborate with up to 25 existing Community Network across both countries, benefiting approximately 10,000 people. The project focuses on two key areas: (1) Deploying satellite backhaul and increasing power redundancy through solar panels and batteries to ensure internet connectivity remains functional during power outages or natural disasters and (2) Building capacity through training materials and on-site workshops for community network partners on equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and disaster response strategies. An online course will also be offered for the broader public. 

WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT? 

This project addresses the critical issue of Internet vulnerability in remote communities frequently affected by natural disasters. First, by strengthening Internet infrastructure and capacity in local communities, the project increases the likelihood of maintaining connectivity during disasters or being repaired quickly in their aftermath. Secondly, the project promotes digital inclusion by expanding Internet access to underserved areas. Third, the project prioritizes sustainability by working with existing community networks and training local partners for long-term infrastructure maintenance. This empowers communities and ensures the project’s impact extends beyond the initial implementation phase. Finally, the project’s focus on knowledge sharing through training materials and online courses allows its impact to be even deeper and more broad.