Update content to focus on the important parts.

content/articles/community-networks/index.md

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+---
+title: Community Networks
+date: 2025-12-27
+summary: Community-owned internet infrastructure—mesh networks, cooperatives, and municipal broadband. When communities own their connectivity, they bridge the digital divide on their own terms.
+draft: True
+---
+
+What if your internet connection belonged to your community rather than a distant corporation?
+
+Community networks are telecommunications infrastructure built, owned, and operated by local communities. They represent a grassroots approach to connectivity where residents, cooperatives, municipalities, or nonprofits take control of their own internet access.
+
+In a world where connectivity is essential infrastructure, community networks offer an alternative to dependence on corporations whose priorities may not align with community needs.
+
+---
+
+## Why This Matters
+
+### The Digital Divide
+
+Approximately 21-42 million Americans lack access to broadband internet. Even where broadband exists, many cannot afford it—internet costs in the US are among the highest in developed nations.
+
+Commercial ISPs systematically underinvest in areas deemed "unprofitable": rural communities, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color. Studies show ISPs practice digital redlining even within cities they serve.
+
+The result: essential infrastructure distributed by profit motive rather than community need.
+
+### Why Local Control Matters
+
+**Accountability**: Community-owned networks answer to residents, not shareholders.
+
+**Reinvestment**: Revenue stays local rather than flowing to distant corporate headquarters.
+
+**Responsive service**: Local operators understand and prioritize community needs.
+
+**Democratic governance**: Community members have voice in decisions about their infrastructure.
+
+**Digital equity**: Community networks can prioritize underserved populations that commercial providers ignore.
+
+**Resilience**: Local control means communities aren't dependent on corporate decisions.
+
+---
+
+## How Community Networks Work
+
+### Mesh Networks
+
+Decentralized networks where each node connects to multiple others. Data "hops" between nodes to reach its destination—no single point of failure.
+
+**Advantages**: Low cost to expand, resilient to failures, community members become active participants.
+
+### Cooperatives
+
+Member-owned organizations where users are also owners. Democratic governance, surplus reinvested in network or returned to members.
+
+### Municipal Broadband
+
+City or county government builds and operates internet infrastructure. Can offer service directly or lease infrastructure to providers.
+
+---
+
+## Real-World Examples
+
+### Guifi.net (Catalonia, Spain)
+
+One of the world's largest community networks, founded in 2004 when commercial providers ignored rural Catalonia.
+
+**Scale**: 35,000+ active nodes across Catalonia and beyond.
+
+**How it works**: Combines wireless links, fiber optic, and other technologies. Operates under a "commons" model—any individual or organization can connect and extend the network. Democratic, transparent governance.
+
+**Impact**: Proved community networks can operate at massive scale. Recognized by European Commission as model for digital inclusion.
+
+**Philosophy**: "The network belongs to everyone who builds it."
+
+### NYC Mesh (New York City)
+
+Volunteer-run community mesh network serving New York City, operating on a "pay what you can" model.
+
+**Scale**: 1,000+ active nodes across all five boroughs, serving thousands of New Yorkers.
+
+**How it works**: Supernodes on tall buildings connect to internet exchange points. Point-to-point wireless distributes connectivity to neighborhood hubs. Volunteers install equipment on rooftops and in apartments.
+
+**Impact**: Provided free internet to public housing residents during COVID-19. Maintained connectivity when commercial providers failed during Hurricane Sandy and the pandemic.
+
+### Detroit Community Technology Project
+
+Founded in 2015, focusing on digital equity and community self-determination in a city where commercial providers had systematically disinvested.
+
+**Programs**:
+- **Equitable Internet Initiative**: Trains "Digital Stewards" to build and maintain neighborhood wireless networks
+- **Digital Stewards Program**: 20-week training creating community leaders
+- **DiscoTech Events**: Community gatherings exploring technology and digital justice
+
+**Impact**: Trained 100+ Digital Stewards, built networks serving thousands, created a replicable model adopted nationwide.
+
+**Philosophy**: "We believe that communication is a fundamental human right."
+
+### The Broader Movement
+
+The Institute for Local Self-Reliance tracks 900+ community broadband networks in the US. Their research shows:
+- Community networks consistently deliver faster speeds at lower prices
+- Municipal networks outperform private ISPs on customer satisfaction
+- Claims that municipal broadband "always fails" are demonstrably false
+
+---
+
+## Organizations and Resources
+
+| Organization | Description |
+|:-------------|:------------|
+| [Guifi.net](https://guifi.net) | World's largest community network. Model for commons-based infrastructure. <br><small>📊 35,000+ nodes in Catalonia and beyond.</small> |
+| [NYC Mesh](https://www.nycmesh.net) | Volunteer-run mesh network serving New York City. <br><small>📊 1,000+ nodes across all five boroughs.</small> |
+| [Detroit Community Technology Project](https://detroitcommunitytech.org) | Digital equity organization training community technology leaders. <br><small>📊 100+ Digital Stewards trained.</small> |
+| [MuniNetworks / ILSR](https://muninetworks.org) | Research and advocacy for community broadband. Tracks 900+ networks. <br><small>📊 Comprehensive database of US community networks.</small> |
+
+---
+
+## Arguments for Community Ownership
+
+### The Economic Argument
+
+Community networks typically offer faster speeds at 20-50% lower prices. Local ownership keeps money circulating in the community. Creates local jobs and builds local technical capacity.
+
+### The Equity Argument
+
+Commercial ISPs created the digital divide through profit-driven decisions. Only community ownership can ensure universal, equitable access. Digital equity requires community control, not just connectivity.
+
+### The Resilience Argument
+
+Distributed, community-controlled networks are more resilient to disasters. Local operators respond quickly to local needs. Communities aren't dependent on corporate decisions.
+
+### The Democracy Argument
+
+Who controls infrastructure shapes who has power. Community ownership means community governance. Technology should serve communities, not extract from them.
+
+---
+
+## Challenges
+
+**Legal barriers**: 18+ states have laws restricting municipal broadband, largely written by incumbent ISP lobbyists.
+
+**Financial challenges**: Significant upfront capital required. Competition from well-funded incumbents.
+
+**Political opposition**: Incumbent ISPs lobby aggressively. Misinformation campaigns claim municipal broadband "always fails."
+
+**Technical challenges**: Requires expertise that may not exist locally. Ongoing maintenance needs.
+
+---
+
+## The Bigger Picture
+
+Community networks are part of a larger movement for community-owned infrastructure. They connect to platform cooperatives, community land trusts, and other solidarity economy initiatives.
+
+The principle is consistent: essential infrastructure should be controlled by the communities that depend on it, not by corporations optimizing for shareholder returns.
+
+The tools exist. The models are proven. Communities around the world are already doing this.
+
+Connectivity is too important to leave to the market. Communities can—and are—building their own.