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

Man on a roof holding a satellite dish for a community network
Blog

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Community Network

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Connecting the Indigenous Women of the South American Chaco

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Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit

In 10 steps, it organizes a series of resources that outlines everything you need to know to prepare, build, and …
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Building More Affordable and Reliable Internet Access in the Arctic

Ulukhaktok Community Network This community network connects over 50 households in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories of Canada. It runs a cellular …
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How the Chippewas of Nawash are Bridging the Digital Divide

Through investments in a community network initiative and skills development programs, the Chippewas of Nawash now have reliable, affordable, high …
2023 African Community Networks Summit
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2023 African Community Networks Summit

Community networks cultivate bottom-up, sustainable approaches to communications technology and meaningful connectivity that strengthen personal and collective autonomy and self-determination …
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Bringing the Internet to One of the Remotest Places on Earth

Everest Community Network This community network connects the Nepalese Sherpas living in the villages of Khunde and Khumjung, 10.4 km …
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How a Rural Community in Armenia Built Their Own Internet

Shaghap Community Network This community network connects over 100 households in the mountainous village of Shaghap, Armenia, as well as …
Connecting the Unconnected: Europe & Beyond
Events

Connecting the Unconnected: Europe & Beyond

Join the community network practitioners in Europe and learn how complementary connectivity solutions are helping connect the unconnected …

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