Second IEEE International Conference on Digital Ecosystems and Technologies (IEEE DEST 2008)

Providing broadband access to citizens, communities, public institutions and developing businesses has become a strategic objective for governments and international organizations worldwide. In particular, serious problems related to the “digital divide” have been widely recognized by public administrations. However, the solution to these problems is not straightforward. Although the appropriate technologies are there, telecommunication companies cannot deploy them as the large costs and very long return of investment makes it prohibitive according to their usual business models. A large number of initiatives, under the collecting name community networks have been launched in North America as well as in Europe. By creating telecom infrastructure in underserved regions, governments can prevent remote communities from digital divide, and are able to create a climate for economic development, help startups to grow, bring new businesses into the region thus resulting in a healthy climate for economic development.