Community-Centered Connectivity

Helping Communities to Bridge the Digital Divide

Helping Communities to Bridge the Digital Divide

We support community-centered connectivity initiatives—like community broadband networks and models that are adaptable to the communities they serve—to help people take Internet access into their own hands, bridging the digital divide and creating lasting digital inclusion.

Over 2 billion people are still offline. Connectivity gaps persist not only because of infrastructure or technology but also because of structural barriers like affordability, digital literacy, and relevance.

The Internet does not reach everyone the same way, and the people who remain unconnected are often those who are systematically excluded in other ways. We need solutions where the people who use the Internet are empowered to bring it to those who don’t. Community-centered connectivity solutions, like community networks, can help.

Community-Centered Connectivity

Helping Communities to Bridge the Digital Divide

A man adjusts a satellite dish on a mountain peak

We support community-centered connectivity initiatives—like community broadband networks and models that are adaptable to the communities they serve—to help people take Internet access into their own hands, bridging the digital divide and creating lasting digital inclusion.

About 2.2 billion people are still offline. Connectivity gaps persist not only because of infrastructure or technology but also because of structural barriers like affordability, digital literacy, and relevance.

The Internet does not reach everyone the same way, and the people who remain unconnected are often those who are systematically excluded in other ways. We need solutions where the people who use the Internet are empowered to bring it to those who don’t. Community-centered connectivity solutions, like community networks, can help.

What Is Community-Centered Connectivity?

What Is Community-Centered Connectivity and Why It Matters?

Community-centered connectivity is when connectivity solutions are built for, with, or by local communities themselves. These solutions are not imposed from outside, but instead are designed with direct involvement from the people who will use and maintain them.

These solutions include community networks, indigenous-led connectivity projects, cooperatives, and a series of other adaptable models.

How to Set Up a Community Broadband Network

How to Set Up a Community Broadband Network

So you would like to build a local network to bring Internet access to your community, but you don’t know where to begin? This “DIY Toolkit” provides the steps you need to get going, along with links to additional resources when you want to learn more.

How We Address Global Inequality

How We Address Global Inequality

We’re helping close the digital divide by:

  • Providing capacity and training: We support communities with the tools, training, and resources they need to design, deploy, and sustain their own connectivity solutions.
  • Offering funding and investment: We provide funding through programs such as Connecting the Unconnected and are working to build new partnerships and co-investment models.
  • Supporting policy and advocacy: We engage with policymakers to create an enabling environment for community-centered connectivity solutions, advocating for changes in licensing, spectrum access, and financing.
  • Fostering partnerships: We work with local partners, global organizations, and Internet Society chapters to connect people with the resources and support they need. No one connects alone—partnerships are key to success.

Get Involved

Get Involved

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Get Funding

Apply for a grant to help you build a community broadband network.

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Build a Community Broadband Network

Use the Community Networks DIY Toolkit and find everything you need to build one yourself.

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Support the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative

Partner with us in investing in community-centered initiatives.

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Learn How Communities Are Bridging the Digital Divide

See the stories behind communities that built community-centered connectivity initiatives.

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Promote Policies to Close the Digital Divide

Dive into resources that will help shape better policies on financing, licensing, and improving access to spectrum for community connectivity solutions.

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

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BlogStories

Learning to Build and Use the Internet in Rhino Refugee Camp

Connectivity in Uganda’s Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement is unreliable and expensive, limiting access to education, healthcare, and employment.We partnered with …
A small, blue house. In the background, there are mountains.
Blog

Moving the Needle on Universal and Meaningful Access 

The latest International Telecommunication Union connectivity statistics remind us how much progress we’ve made and how far we still have …
Policy Brief: Licensing Approaches for Community-Centered Connectivity
Policy BriefsResources

Policy Brief: Licensing Approaches for Community-Centered Connectivity

Discover how community-centered connectivity solutions empower underserved areas. Explore updated licensing options and principles for meaningful connectivity today …
A man stands on a ladder and holds a drill, installing infrastructure
Stories

A Once-Overlooked Tool: How Community Networks Connected Haiti and the World 

Community networks connect us to opportunities across borders and across the globe. Their journey to mainstream discussion has not always …
World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25)
Events

World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25)

Creating the conditions to expand Internet access requires decisive action from governments. How can they help close the global digital …
ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) Background Paper
Resources

ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) Background Paper

This background paper is intended to provide the Internet Society community and interested parties with a general overview of the …
Policy Brief: Spectrum Policy
Policy BriefsResources

Policy Brief: Spectrum Policy

We need deliberate policy and regulatory measures to ensure spectrum availability for community-centered initiatives …
An Internet infrastructure tower at the Parara Puru community in Panama.
BlogStories

How to Achieve Universal Connectivity

Achieving universal connectivity will require action from many actors—governments, regulators, communities, civil society, and the private sector. Community-centered connectivity offers …
The outside of two buildings at an Embera community in Panama
BlogStories

The Power of Volunteers: Connecting an Indigenous Community in Panama

The Internet Society Panama Chapter had a plan. They would build the country’s first community network and bring the Internet to …

Community-Centered Connectivity FAQs

Community-Centered Connectivity FAQs

Image copyright:
© Nyani Quarmyne, © Internet Society, © Chris Gregory, © Victor Ndonnang/Internet Society, © Nyani Quarmyne, © Ed Mukoma/Internet Society Foundation, © Flawless Events