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
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
Get Funding
Apply for a grant to help you build a community broadband network.
Build a Community Broadband Network
Use the Community Networks DIY Toolkit and find everything you need to build one yourself.
Support the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative
Partner with us in investing in community-centered initiatives.
Learn How Communities Are Bridging the Digital Divide
See the stories behind communities that built community-centered connectivity initiatives.
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.
How do community broadband networks help close the digital divide?
Solutions that are centered around communities focus on the needs of the people they serve and rely on local leadership, which helps address three major challenges that contribute to the digital divide: availability, affordability, and adoption.
How can I start a community broadband network?
There are 10 steps to building a community broadband network, from understanding what they are and if the community is ready, to the actual implementation and sustainability. You can find a detailed guide through the Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit.
What funding is available via Internet Society’s Connect the Unconnected program?
The Internet Society’s Connecting the Unconnected funding program provides financial support to communities and local organizations working to build or expand Internet infrastructure in rural, remote, and low-income areas. Funding is available for projects that create new community-centered connectivity initiatives—such as community networks, municipal networks, and cooperatives—or that expand existing solutions to connect more people and improve connectivity. Learn more through the Connecting the Unconnected Program page.
