Why the Internet?

When we connect to the Internet, anything is possible.

The Internet puts us closer to what we care about the most.

Like opportunities to study or start a business, so we can improve our lives and uplift our communities. Or the ability to communicate, so we can smile at our far-off loved ones—or share knowledge to advance our understanding of the world. It even helps us find that perfect binge-worthy show or scroll endless videos, so we never say “I’m bored” again.

The Internet transforms our lives and our society for the better. It doesn’t belong to a single person, government, or corporation—it belongs to all of us.

a young woman with short black hair standing on a balcony with a view of the city

Billions of people are cut off from the Internet’s opportunities.

1 in 3
people live on the wrong side of the digital divide.

22
countries blocked access to social media or communications platforms in 2022.

124
Internet shutdowns occurred in 2023.

global economic loss (USD) due to Internet shutdowns and disruptions in the first half of 2023.

Sources:
Facts and Figures 2022 – Internet use (ITU), Freedom on the Net 2022 (Freedom House),
Shutdowns and NetLoss Calculator (Internet Society Pulse)

Billions of people are cut off from the Internet’s opportunities.

1 in 3
people live on the wrong side of the digital divide.

22
countries blocked access to social media or communications platforms in 2022.

124
Internet shutdowns occurred in 2023.

Global economic loss (USD) due to Internet shutdowns and disruptions in the first half of 2023.

Sources: Facts and Figures 2022 – Internet use (ITU), Freedom on the Net 2022 (Freedom House),
Shutdowns and NetLoss Calculator (Internet Society Pulse)

How the Internet Helps Us

Find out how the Internet is changing lives.

Seizing Opportunity at the Top of the World

When Chhepal Sherpa saw that young people were leaving Mount Everest communities for better opportunities, he knew the Internet could save the towns he and his ancestors have always called home.

a stunning mountainous landscape, with snow-capped peaks and a man smiling at the camera
Grabbing a Lifeline during the Pandemic

One of the largest cities in the world, NYC was in crisis during COVID-19. Jillian Murphy wondered how they could survive the early days of the pandemic without Internet.

a woman holding cords smiling
Protecting a Way of Living and Fostering Hope

Jorge Elias Oliveira Farias is a farmer in rural Brazil with an unusual side hustle: content creator. A new high-speed Internet connection empowers him to learn the latest agricultural techniques.

a man with a cap in the filed explaining something
Creating Opportunity in an Independent and Sovereign Nation

The Independent and Sovereign Nation State of Hawai‘i needed Internet, but they weren’t getting resources from their state or country. Brandon Makawa‘awa‘a and the people of Waimanalo built a community network that helps their people shine in education and entrepreneurship.

a man holding 'Sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii' yellow sign

You can deliver on the promise of the Internet.

Make a difference in the lives of people like Jorge, Chhepal, and Jillian.

a man taking three children to their preschool

You can deliver on the promise of the Internet.

Make a difference in the lives of people like Jorge, Chhepal, Brandon, and Jillian.

Image copyright:
© Nyani Quarmyne, ©Ian Willms / Boreal / Panos, © João Aguiar, © Chris Gregory, © IBEBrasil, © Nyani Quarmyne, © Nyani Quarmyne