Enabling geospatial hyperlocal news networks with a remote village connectivity system

Abstract

This documentary presents explanations from a village connectivity system deployed in three remote villages in Armenia, as an alternative way to serve journalism and community communication where data connectivity was either too expensive or lack of infrastructure was apparent. CAST (disCovery Amplification Sustainability and interacTions) used WiCastr hardware devices to build hyperlocal broadcasting networks. As a collective they form a mesh network that operates using Wi-Fi topologies. One device connects to the Internet which receives real time content and information, which is then distributed amongst all other devices within its network. A three-phase pilot ran in 2016 using 27 devices with three main research questions: How can hyperlocal proximity networks be built with online to offline wifi technology? How can the system be used to amplify alternative news in politically pressured environments? In what ways does the technology act as a digital disruptor in community digital activism?