Community radio and mobile networks

Last updated: January 2024

“Si se dejan de contar historias, se dejan de transmitir saberes, alegrías, recuerdos. La comunicación son los hilos con los que se tejen la vida comunitaria y la fiesta, por ello sin comunicación no hay territorio.” // “If we stop telling stories, we stop transmitting knowledge, joys and memories. Communication is the thread with which community life and festivities are woven, so without communication there is no territory.” - Adriana Labardini Inzunza

"Community radio" describes radio programmes that are produced and broadcasted by local community members.

Community radio programmes are useful in connecting members of the community, informing people of events and news, and for community decision making. During the pandemic, indigenous community radio stations in South America were used to spread vital information to protect against COVID-19 in indigenous languages. In the following examples, radio is used to bridge elements of urban-rural digital divides, allowing members of communities to share knowledge and information.

Wiki Katat mobile network

Screenshot: Wiki Katat

Wiki Katat is the first virtual mobile operator run by indigenous community members in Mexico. Part of the vision behind the project was a space to have local voices and languages spoken and heard. This mountainous region around Cuetzalan has long been marginalised and neglected by the government. The mobile network is vital due to the poor cell service in the region.

Since 2009, this community has produced their own community radio programme Radio Tosepan Limakxtum, in the Nahuatl and Totonac languages. Over time, with funding and growth, they were able to expand their radio programme to telecommunications more broadly.

Wiki Katat offers autonomous SMS, voice and data services for connected smartphones using a mobile modem (mifi). It provides a way of communicating traditional ways of knowing and information through community programming. The network has grown, with approximately 50,000 members across 400 communities.

Entry last updated: January 2024

RootIO radio

Screenshot: RootIO homepage

RootIO radio stations are small, FM radios that are more interactive than traditional radio. They use cloud/telephony Radio as a Service (RaaS) to receive free calls to air, download audio or conduct SMS votes. This program can be operated through basic phones (using RaaS) to run live shows and promote businesses through ads.

The stations can operate through solar power, for a longer lasting charge, making them viable solutions during emergencies. So far, four stations are running in Northern Uganda, with plans to establish 20 more throughout the country. Radio is a more accessible communication tool, as many rural communities rely on radio for news and entertainment, and listeners can call in to shows for free, allowing for multidirectional engagement.

Page last updated: January 2024