Connecting on their own terms: Community networks and collective governance in Colombia

Executive Summary This thesis examines Colombian community networks (CNs) as collectively governed internet infrastructures through the theoretical frameworks of the commons, internet sovereignty, and self‑determination. Despite the rapid global expansion of internet access, significant gaps persist. Commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often neglect these regions due to low profitability, prompting communities to develop their own connectivity solutions. Grounded in qualitative case studies of seven Colombian CNs, this research explores their motivations, governance mechanisms, and social dynamics. Using Ostrom’s commons as an analytical lens, the study reveals that Colombian CNs align strongly with key principles such as clearly defined boundaries, collective‑choice arrangements, and multi‑level participation. Beyond providing connectivity, CNs are based on and foster autonomy, cultural identity, and social cohesion. However, challenges remain: declining community participation, reliance on corporate backbone infrastructure, limited technical expertise, and insufficient regulatory recognition threaten their sustainability. The findings highlight the transformative potential of CNs as infrastructures of autonomy and digital sovereignty. Yet, achieving their long‑term viability requires tailored state support, including regulatory frameworks, dedicated funding, and capacity‑building programs that respect community autonomy. This research contributes a Global South perspective to ongoing debates on digital inclusion, arguing that CNs represent both a practical solution for bridging the digital divide and a laboratory for reimagining participatory internet governance.