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

A woman wearing a red dress poses on a balcony

Get Funding

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

a group of people installing antenna and solar panel on top of a hill

Build a Community Broadband Network

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

A woman confidently addressing a group of people, standing tall

Support the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative

Partner with us in investing in community-centered initiatives.

A lively group of people dancing together inside a spacious tent

Learn How Communities Are Bridging the Digital Divide

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

A person capturing a photograph of a picturesque village

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

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

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 …
A person capturing a photograph of a picturesque village
Resources

Advancing Community Connectivity

Explore tips, resources, and success stories to create inclusive Internet policies that empower local connectivity solutions …
Joseph Bishi at a podium
BlogStories

From Cyber Café to Digital Revolution: The Story of Joseph Bishi and Murambinda’s Community Network

Joseph Bishi started with a small cyber café in Murambinda in 2003. He grew his vision into transformative community network …
A woman stands in front of a tall red tower
BlogStories

Connection for a Cause: One Woman’s Journey of Digital Empowerment 

Growing up in a small village in Murang’a County, Kenya, Ruth Njeri had nearly no access to the digital world …
A woman wearing a mask sits in a group
Stories

Girls in Rural Pakistan Are Tackling Inequality Using the Internet

WALI Community Network WALI community network serves nearly 400 children and youth from Ahmed Abad village of the Lasbela district …
A group of men sitting at a table smiling while looking at a smartphone.
Blog

What is Indigenous Connectivity? And Why Should We All Care?

We are committed to helping Indigenous communities around the world bridge the digital divide and connect to the Internet …
A few people and a donkey carry equipment up a hill.
Stories

A Village in Kyrgyzstan Is Using the Internet to Fight for Their Rights 

Zardaly Community Network The Zardaly community network connects over 500 households in Batken, the most remote province of Kyrgyzstan. The …
A class sits at computers.
BlogStories

Return to Everest: Happily Connected Sherpas

We returned to the villages of Khunde and Khumjung to provide technical training so residents can manage and troubleshoot their …
A group of kids joyfully dancing outdoors
Stories

Expanding Economic Opportunities in the Paraguayan Chaco

Boquerón Community Network Part of the NANUM initiative to connect Indigenous women in the Chaco. The Fa’ay Lhavoquey—the Women Carob …

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