AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

Wireless Communication Technologies & Human Rights

International Summit for Community Wireless Networks
MAY 28-30, 2008

Community Wireless Networks Could Have "Transformative" Impact, Experts Say

Hosted by the world's largest general scientific society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), this year's International Summit for Community Wireless Networks summit continued its tradition of featuring wireless leaders, innovators, activists, and community networking visionaries from around the globe. "With large-scale network implementations demonstrating the viability of open source wireless technologies, and corporate franchise business model faltering, the movement is at a critical juncture in its development" states Sascha Meinrath, Summit Director. "This year's International Summit for Community Wireless Networks will explore issues of global integration and local control over these vital communications media."

Additional summit topics included:

• The role of community wireless networks in supporting human rights
• The current state of US and international telecommunications policies
• Exploration of state-of-the-art open source wireless technologies from around the globe
• Social networking and other WLAN services and applications
• Community wireless updates from Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia
• White space devices, "device as infrastructure" networking, & other disruptive technologies
• Legal issues in community wireless networking
• Alternative business models and sustainable networking

Specialists noted that providing low-cost, universal access to wireless networks has not been easy, even in some tech-savvy locales. Read the AAAS News Report...

The AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, New America Foundation, CUWiN Foundation, and the Acorn Active Media Foundation held the annual International Summit for Community Wireless Networks in Washington, DC on May 28-30, 2008. More information posted at www.wirelesssummit.org

About the Acorn Active Media Foundation: The Acorn Active Media Foundation engages in software, website and technical development in support of the global justice movement. Acorn's commitment to its work stems from a foundational philosophy that its projects should align with the Foundation's goals to support social and economic justice.

About the CUWiN Foundation (CUWiN): CUWiN is a world-renowned coalition of wireless developers and community volunteers committed to providing low-cost, do-it-yourself, community controlled alternatives to contemporary broadband models. Its mission is to develop decentralized, community-owned networks that foster democratic cultures and local content. Through advocacy and through its commitment to open source technology, CUWiN supports organic networks that grow to meet the needs of their community.

About New America Foundation: The New America Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy institute in Washington, D.C. The Foundation invests in outstanding individuals and ideas that transcend the conventional political debate. Through its programs, New America sponsors a wide range of research, published writing, conferences, and events. The Wireless Future Program advocates a more fair, efficient, and democratic allocation of the public airwaves.

(site updated 10/06/2008)

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