All over the world, there are numerous international alternative networks that support the development and growth of information and media. These networks can differ in their goals and organizational structures, but they all share the common goal of democratizing communication and making reforms. These projects are distinguished by their non-commercial nature and their resistance to imperialist powers mechanics.
These networks are comprised of individuals, non-profit organizations and native sites that connect local communities with regional and global links aimed at making information more accessible to all. They also advocate for reforms to communication campaigns that aim to make existing local and national communications media more accessible, representative and accountable. These projects face numerous challenges, including limited financial and technical support. But they continue to build a network of local-local links that bypass imperialist power mechanics.
In the beginning of the 1990s, a variety of international alternative networks started to emerge across a variety of countries and regions. These networks were able to grow due to the convergence of social movements, particularly from the Global South which were active in protest against US policies; and creative media groups that seized the new consumer production marketing channels.
These networks are becoming increasingly important as a way to provide Internet proficiency in places in which traditional network deployments are not in place or are not the most preferred option. This article proposes a classification of these networks, and outlines their major characteristics. This article will aid activists, researchers, and others in gaining a better understanding of these networks, and in particular their significance as a crucial element in a global access strategy for all.
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