Barriers to Meaningful Connectivity

Exploring Internet Access Options in a Low-Income Urban Neighbourhood

Abstract

Community networks risk failure when they attempt to emulate models from elsewhere without engaging the community in the process and making appropriate adaptations. These ‘build it and they will come’ models rarely work over the long term. This research project explored claims from residents of a low-income neighbourhood in the “North End” of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, that inadequate and unaffordable Internet connectivity limits their access to critical communication tools, resources, and information. Through the research, we identified the need for a sustainable model of affordable, accessible Internet connectivity that centers on building a cooperative-owned and operated community network with Indigenous and newcomer families at its heart. Findings revealed that high connectivity costs, limited digital literacy, and inadequate infrastructure are the primary barriers to meaningful connectivity in the community.

The intent of the “North End Connect” research project was to work directly with the residents, to learn about their connectivity needs and wants, inform the project’s technical team as to how and where to build a solution that works for the community, removing explicit and implicit barriers to access. Through our research, we validated that digital connectivity is a problem in the community. Utilizing a CBPAR approach provided a more nuanced understanding of the barriers to access from the resident’s perspective and lived experience. This allowed for the development of a strengths-based roadmap that utilized existing assets to provide affordable, accessible, trustworthy, and secure Internet access to anyone who wants it. The research acted as the catalyst to motivate the community and led to ongoing interventions aimed at addressing each of the identified barriers. As we investigate these barriers, it becomes evident that addressing these issues is not just a matter of technological access but a crucial step toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. The project serves as a model for community-driven digital inclusion efforts and contributes to global conversations about equitable access to the internet.