Connecting
the Unconnected:
A Policy Toolkit for
Meaningful Connectivity

Connecting the Unconnected: A Policy Toolkit for Meaningful Connectivity

A woman wearing glasses and a scarf is holding a black wire

Everything you need to know to build effective policies to connect the unconnected

The Internet has evolved into a complex and vibrant ecosystem, yet 2.6 billion people remain unconnected. With the right policies, we can change that.

In urban, rural, and remote areas, the connectivity gap isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about creating access that’s affordable, reliable, relevant, and empowering. Innovative solutions and small operators are emerging to bridge these gaps, but for them to succeed, policy frameworks must adapt to this changing need.

This Policy Toolkit is an open resource for policymakers, providing the guidance needed to enable meaningful connectivity for everyone, everywhere. Here, you will find several resources that explore issues like licensing frameworks, spectrum debates, financing mechanisms for community networks, case studies, success stories, and more.

Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit

The 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 maintain a community network.

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 speed Internet connectivity.

How a Rural Community in Armenia Built Their Own Internet

Left behind by Internet service providers because of their remote location, find out how an Armenian village came together to build a fiber community network.

Developing Readiness for Community Networks in the Middle East and North Africa

The Internet Society’s 2023 report into how community networks could help bridge the digital divide in the MENA region.

Financing Mechanisms for Locally Owned Internet Infrastructure

Find out more about the financing mechanisms available to Community Connectivity Providers (CCPs).

Community Network Readiness Assessment Handbook

A handbook to guide communities through assessing whether they will benefit from building a community network, as well as information on planning and building the network.

2021 Indigenous Connectivity Summit Policy Recommendations

Policy recommendations resulting from the 2021 Indigenous Connectivity Summit Policy

Wireless for Communities

The W4C program provides last-mile connectivity to rural and remote areas of the Asia-Pacific using wireless technologies.

Reimagining the Summit on Community Networks in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic

A five-part webinar series on building, sustaining and funding community networks in Africa.

Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the U.S.

A comprehensive list of organizations offering financial support for Tribal, state, and local governments to expand their broadband infrastructure.

2020 Indigenous Connectivity Summit Policy Recommendations

Policy recommendations resulting from the 2020 Indigenous Connectivity Summit Policy

Statement to U.S. Congress Hearing on “Addressing the Urgent Needs of Our Tribal Communities”

Statement calling on US Congress to prioritize proactive and culturally-appropriate policies that bring high-speed, affordable Internet to Tribal communities.

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Community 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? Or do you have questions about a specific aspect of creating a community network? Now you can find everything you need to know in the Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit.

Try the Toolkit

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Community 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? Or do you have questions about a specific aspect of creating a community network? Now you can find everything you need to know in the Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit.

Try the Toolkit

Image copyright:
© Chris Gregory, © Nyani Quarmyne