European Community Networks Summit brings together high-profile officials

The European Community Networks Summit was held in Tbilisi as a result of the successful projects of community internet access that have been implemented in Georgia. A special panel was dedicated to the development of community networks in Georgia within the framework of the summit and the country's experience was assessed as successful.

The summit was organized by the nonprofit organization, the Internet Society (ISOC). The event was supported and co-organized by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Association of Small and Medium Telecommunication Operators (TOA).

During the meeting, Tsvetelina Penkova, Member of the European Parliament, Jane Coffin, Chief Advisor to the Executive Director of the Internet Society and Armen Abroyan, Deputy Minister of High-tech Industry of Armenia addressed the audience.

Nikoloz Alavidze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia welcomed the participants at the opening of the summit. According to him, one of the priorities and challenges of the government of the country is the development of information and communication fields, including broadband internet infrastructure. According to the Deputy Minister, the development of community internet networks plays an important role in these processes, especially in the mountainous regions.

Alavidze emphasized the successful projects of community internet in Georgia and noted that today the internet is available in 24 villages of Tusheti, as well as internet network is functioning in Pshav-Khevsureti and Gudamakari gorge. The Deputy Minister thanked all the parties, donors and participants involved in the implementation of the project and noted that the project would make a significant contribution to improving the social and economic situation of the people living in the regions.

The Deputy Minister also drew attention to the construction of a 200-kW power plant near the village of Shatili, which after its commissioning will play an important role in the development of the region and improve the electricity supply of the local population.

At the same time, according to Nikoloz Alavidze, the mentioned hydropower plant will contribute to the sustainability of the community internet network in the region and its continuous provision of internet services to the population.

Community networks provide a sustainable solution to address the connectivity gaps that exist in urban, remote, and rural areas around the world.

The Internet Society partnered with its Georgian Chapter and several Georgian Internet organizations to connect the remote and mountainous region of Tusheti to the Internet. The project was launched in September 2017 opening new opportunities for tourism and cultural preservation and providing an essential communication channel for healthcare and potential emergencies.