The Internet Society recently held an Indigenous Connectivity Summit focused on connecting Indigenous communities in North America to the Internet.  Prof. Elizabeth Belding spoke on a panel titled “Advocating for Community Networks” about the work she has done with her Native American partner organizations to understand how Indigenous people use the Internet, and to build Internet access and architectural solutions that are more inclusive of Indigenous populations.

Prof. Belding’s main research interests are in mobile and wireless communication networks, including the study of production networks through large trace collection, and the development of solutions to improve network performance and the user experience. Recently studied technologies include wireless LANs, mesh networks, cellular networks, 60 GHz networks, and white spaces spectrum.  Prof. Belding’s current work focuses on information and communication technology solutions for the developing world (ICTD).  This work includes the analysis of existing networks, and the development of new network architectures and solutions specifically designed for the communities in which she works.  Her current work includes a number of projects in sub-Saharan Africa.  Her work is highly interdisciplinary, including collaborators from electrical engineering, film and media studies, and communications.

Watch Professor Belding's introductory research video here.