Sisyphus’s Broadband: Exploring models of rural community participation in digital infrastructure and connectivity

Abstract

Rural communities continue to face inequitable access to digital infrastructure and Internet connectivity, and pervasive digital divides in both infrastructure and capacities remain. A growing number of rural communities have taken (or attempted taking) active roles in the connectivity landscape. The literature investigating these community-led initiatives is emergent, with little understanding about the range of rural community-led initiatives and little empirical evidence to guide community decision-making in terms of which approach, if any, to use. This paper outlines the development of a set of rural community models with the aim of inviting further refinement and challenge of these models and to help communities understand the challenges and options for building local Internet access.