Community Networks (CN) and Community-driven Internet Exchange Points (Community IX) are key components of a more resilient, decentralized, and inclusive Internet Infrastructure. They empower local communities, promote digital sovereignty, and strengthen Internet openness.

With the increasing centralization of Internet infrastructure, community-driven approaches such as CN and Community IX offer practical, values-driven alternatives. Among others, several Freifunk groups are members of our Community IX. These grassroots collaborations provide concrete pathways toward resilient, community-based interconnection models — highly relevant in today’s Internet governance and policy discussions.

As a long-time community networks advocate and co-founder of freifunk.net — one of the largest CN initiatives in Europe — I see great potential: ISOC Chapters can play an important role in making these efforts more visible, scalable, and policy-relevant.

In Europe, we have had to face some setbacks in recent years — including regulatory and funding challenges. But with a strong grassroots Internet culture and active Chapters, we still offer fertile ground to advance this work, with valuable lessons for other regions.

Bringing this topic into the SIG ecosystem for 2026–2027 would:

• Align strongly with ISOC’s mission (an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone)

• Provide hands-on opportunities for ISOC Chapters — with potential global relevance

• Foster cross-cutting collaboration with existing groups (former CN-SIG members, DC3, Gender SIG, Youth SIG, Accessibility SIG)