Connecting the Unconnected

Community networks help bridge the connectivity gap.

The Internet makes it possible to connect to education, work, and each other. We are at our very best when this happens. But not everyone has equal access to the opportunities the Internet brings. We need solutions where the people who use the Internet are empowered to bring it to those who don’t. Community networks can help. A community network is when individuals come together to establish and maintain an Internet connection themselves. Internet by the people, for the people.

Help Connect the Unconnected

With 2.6 billion people lacking access to the Internet, we need dedicated people working together to close the digital divide.

We’ve joined Partner2Connect to amplify our impact, pledging to train 10,000 people and to sustain and build 100 networks by 2025. Together, we can get even closer to achieving universal connectivity and digital transformation.

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Growing the Internet 

We’re helping close the global digital divide by:

  • Supporting initiatives to deploy Internet infrastructure to connect those who need it most
  • Supporting the development of local technical skills
  • Promoting more favorable policies on licensing, spectrum, and public funding for community networks
  • Working with partners to identify and leverage funding opportunities for local infrastructure

Get Involved 

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Get Funding

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

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Develop Your Skills

Learn everything you need to build, maintain, and support community networks.

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Learn about Successful Community Networks

See success stories and how they happened from start to finish.

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Attend a Community Network Event

Attend a current or a past event to learn from experts in the field.

Image copyrights:
© Nyani Quarmyne, © Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), © J.J. McQueen, © Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), © Elyse Butler, © Internet Society / Christian O’Flaherty