Ecuador : community wireless networks; opportunity for access to broadband

The paper argues for solid, long-term legal and regulatory solutions to promote the development and sustainability of telecom networks geared to the public interest. The new Ecuadorian constitution, and reforms being undertaken by the government in the framework of a new model of state activity, aim at putting rights into practice through strong state involvement in the provision of services and infrastructure. This should create a favourable environment for implementing the concept of universal access. The emergence of wireless technologies, especially Wi-Fi, offers an alternative for internet access in areas that are unprofitable by market standards and lack infrastructure