Connectivity

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

There are over 2 billion people without access to the Internet. Many more are connected, but not to affordable and reliable services. That’s why our global community is working to close the digital divide and make sure that no matter where people live, they can enjoy all the benefits the Internet has to offer.

The communities most affected by the digital divide are also among the most marginalized. Women, Indigenous Peoples, and displaced populations often face unique barriers to connectivity. Changing this takes passion and creativity. And it takes resources.

We push this change in three ways: we pool resources from partners to fund people building solutions to close the digital divide. We provide people with the expertise and technical components they need to establish resilient, affordable Internet access. And, together, we advocate for policies that help grow the Internet and create a safe online environment for all.

Connectivity

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

A boat moves down the center of the Chagres River

There are about 2 billion people without access to the Internet. Many more are connected, but not to affordable and reliable services.

That’s why our global community is working to close the digital divide and make sure that no matter where people live, they can enjoy all the benefits the Internet has to offer.

The communities most affected by the digital divide are also among the most marginalized. Women, Indigenous Peoples, and displaced populations often face unique barriers to connectivity. Changing this takes passion and creativity. And it takes resources.

We push this change in three ways: we pool resources from partners to fund people building solutions to close the digital divide. We provide people with the expertise and technical components they need to establish resilient, affordable Internet access. And, together, we advocate for policies that help grow the Internet and create a safe online environment for all.

Key Connectivity Links

Key Connectivity Resources

Two men standing on a rooftop, gazing intently at an unseen object

Community-Centered Connectivity

Skills, financing, infrastructure, partnerships, and regulation all play a key role in Internet access.

Two men speaking with each other at a peering event

Sustainable Peering Infrastructure

Peering makes connectivity cheaper, better, and more reliable by using Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).

two men climbing on an antenna

Standards that Help Grow the Internet

We promote standards, such as IPv6 and Open Fiber Data Standards, to make the Internet more reliable for everyone.

A person capturing a photograph of a picturesque village

Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns are intentional disruptions of Internet connectivity, cutting access or making it effectively unavailable for a specific population, location, or mode of access.

A woman stands in front of a tall red tower

Internet Resilience

A resilient Internet connection is one that can maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of faults and challenges to normal operation.

Three people standing in a circle having a conversation during the Internet Development Conference

Policy and Advocacy

We engage with policymakers to create an enabling environment for community-centered connectivity solutions.

Making the Internet More Reliable in Panama

Making the Internet More Reliable in Panama

If you send a WhatsApp message to your friend in a neighboring town, why should the data have to travel to another country first just to ultimately reach someone close to you? In Panama, peering keeps data local, improving Internet speed, cost, and reliability.

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

Policy Brief: Spectrum Policy

We need deliberate policy and regulatory measures to ensure spectrum availability for community-centered initiatives …

ISOC Day at Africa Internet Summit 2025

The Africa Internet Summit (AIS) is an annual, regional, multi-stakeholder ICT conference held by the African Network Operators Group (AfNOG) …

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 …

What Is Internet Resilience?

A resilient Internet connection is one that can maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of faults and …

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 …

Is Your IXP at Risk of Becoming a “Zombie”?

Over time, some Internet exchange points (IXPs) begin to operate on autopilot—what we call “Zombie IXPs.” This can diminish performance …

What Is Community-Centered Connectivity and Why Should We Care? 

Community-centered connectivity is when connectivity solutions are built for, with, or by local communities themselves. These solutions are not imposed …

Central Africa Peering Forum 2025

The Central Africa Peering Forum (CAPF, or FPAC in French) brings together players in the Internet ecosystem in the Central …

West Africa Peering Forum (WAPF) 2025

Event Objectives Promoting the development of a robust and sustainable Internet ecosystem in West Africa by encouraging local interconnection and …

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