History
2004
BornGuifi·net.
Asocial and technological telecommunications projectin the Osona region (Catalonia) with the aim of solving the difficulties of access to broadband Internet in rural areas, a result of the disinterest of traditional operators in wanting to connect these coverage gaps.
A group of neighbors andneighborsdecided to self-organize voluntarily to startconnectingtheir homes, farms, businesses or public buildings through a radio link network. Interconnecting, therefore, various geographical points to be able to access the Internet through what they would call the Open, Free and Neutral Commons Network.
The project began to grow and add people and businesses that would expand the network. They were already installing antennas, providing technical support, sharing internet and/or connecting to the network.
2007
The project receives theNational Telecommunications Awardfrom the Government of Catalonia.
2008
The Guifi·net Foundation is bornthanks to a group of users ofGuifi·netwho decided to formally organize andgive legal entity to the projectin order to promote the network throughout the territory through a hybrid infrastructure (radio link and fiber optic) under equal conditions for all people. Ultimately, to provide access to the Internet to eliminate the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
2009
Due to theconstant growthof the project, both in number ofusers,installing companies, ofoperatorsofferingInternet access services, ofentities,associations,volunteers, as well as administrations, the Open, Free and Neutral Commons NetworkGuifi·netestablishes governanceandcoordinationsystems aimed at transparency, maintenance, improvement of the infrastructure and management of it as a Common Good.
2015
The project receives theBroadband Award from the European Commissionin the category ofinnovative financing, business and investment model.
2019
The projectGuifi·netcelebrates its 15th anniversary with a consolidated radio link network throughout the territory and with many fiber optic extension projects through collaboration among different participants that make up theGuifi·net Foundation
Currently
The project remains consolidated and continues to grow throughout the State. Since the Guifi·net Foundationwe continue to work to:
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Promote the Human Right (UN, 2011) of access to the Internet in society without discrimination of any kind and with the aim of eliminating the digital divide.
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Boost the Telecommunications Network of Commons, Open, Free and Neutral through coordination mechanisms in collaboration with internet service operators, installers, entities, associations, administrations, volunteers and users of the Guifi·net network.
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Promote a social and collaborative economic model through local operators.