The Impact of a DIY Cellphone Network in a Mexican Village
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Chapter 1: The Birth of a Community Network
In the picturesque mountains of the Sierra Madre, an Indigenous community in Oaxaca decided to take matters into their own hands when big telecom companies overlooked their needs. What began as an ambitious endeavor to establish a cellphone network soon turned into a significant social experiment.
Imagine standing in a quaint village, gripping a cellphone, eagerly awaiting a signal. Then, the bars light up, and an eruption of joy follows. Villagers rush out of their homes, shouting, “I’m connected!” and “We have service!” This scene, witnessed eight years ago, marked a pivotal moment for the community of Talea de Castro. Frustrated by the inaction of government officials and telecom giants, they set out to create their own network.
The village gained attention from major media outlets, who framed the tale as a classic battle of the underdogs against corporate giants. However, the reality was far more nuanced, revealing a tapestry of success and challenges. While the villagers celebrated their newfound access to the internet, many harbored concerns about how this technology might disrupt their traditional ways of life.
Section 1.1: A Glimpse into Talea de Castro
Talea de Castro, home to around 2,400 predominantly Indigenous Zapotec people, thrives on agriculture. Residents cultivate corn, beans, and coffee while also running small businesses like stores and carpentry shops.
Upon my first visit in 1994, I was struck by the stunning landscape: a grand 19th-century church, ancient cloud forests, and vibrant fields filled with fragrant flowers. Despite its serene appearance, the village was not isolated from the forces of globalization. The sounds of both traditional Mexican music and international hits echoed through the streets as locals traveled to and from Oaxaca City for supplies.
In the late 2000s, many villagers began acquiring cellphones, dreaming of mobile service for their community. Efforts to engage América Móvil, Mexico's leading telecom provider, were met with indifference. Executives cited the village's remote location as a barrier to profitability. The residents, however, remained undeterred.
Section 1.2: The Spark of Innovation
Living in Silicon Valley, where innovation is often synonymous with technology, I learned that ingenuity can arise from the most unexpected places. In Talea, resourceful villagers began to explore alternatives after feeling snubbed by major telecom companies.
In 2011, villagers Kendra and Abrám attended a workshop focused on Indigenous media and met U.S. communications expert Peter Bloom and telecom policy attorney Erick Huerta. Together, they founded Rhizomatica, an NGO dedicated to expanding cellphone service in rural and Indigenous areas globally.
Utilizing open-source software called OpenBTS, the team set out to create a community mobile network. This software allowed for communication via a small base transceiver station, dramatically reducing the costs typically associated with large telecom infrastructures.
With strong local support, the villagers voted to invest municipal funds into the project, and after navigating complex legal requirements, they obtained regulatory approval.
Chapter 2: The Network’s Launch and Challenges
Video Description: This video explores how a cartel in Mexico established its own cellphone network, paralleling the efforts of communities like Talea.
In March 2013, the Rhizomatica team launched the network without prior announcement, eager to test its capabilities. To their surprise, over 400 devices were within range. Within weeks, over 700 villagers subscribed to the service, which offered local calls and texts for free and minimal charges for international calls.
Though the initial success was promising, the network faced numerous obstacles. Glitches due to weather and connectivity issues arose, leading to eventual complications. Despite these setbacks, the villagers remained hopeful.
Over the next few years, however, the network encountered significant challenges, including allegations of corruption and political manipulation. Major telecom companies eventually began to encroach upon the community, leading to a shift in public preference toward established brands.
The Rise of Alternatives
Though the DIY network faced difficulties, it sparked conversations about the future of local connectivity. As communities like Talea experimented with technology, they paved the way for other Indigenous groups to establish their own networks, leading to the creation of the Telecomunicaciones Indígenas Comunitarias cooperative.
Video Description: Richart Sowa's innovative island made from plastic bottles illustrates the creativity and resourcefulness of communities, much like that of Talea.
Section 2.1: Cultural Implications of Connectivity
While mobile technology has transformed communication for many, it has also raised concerns about mental health and community cohesion. Some villages have implemented restrictions on cellphone use, and ongoing discussions about the pros and cons of technology continue in local assemblies.
Ultimately, the story of Talea de Castro is not just about the technicalities of building a cellphone network but rather about how Indigenous communities are weaving technology into their rich cultural fabric. This journey reflects their resilience and the importance of maintaining a cohesive identity amid the tides of modernization.
Roberto J. González is the chair of the anthropology department at San José State University.
Originally published at www.sapiens.org on March 30, 2021.