Connectivity

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

There are over 2 billion people without access to the Internet. Many more are connected, but not to affordable and reliable services. That’s why our global community is working to close the digital divide and make sure that no matter where people live, they can enjoy all the benefits the Internet has to offer.

The communities most affected by the digital divide are also among the most marginalized. Women, Indigenous Peoples, and displaced populations often face unique barriers to connectivity. Changing this takes passion and creativity. And it takes resources.

We push this change in three ways: we pool resources from partners to fund people building solutions to close the digital divide. We provide people with the expertise and technical components they need to establish resilient, affordable Internet access. And, together, we advocate for policies that help grow the Internet and create a safe online environment for all.

Connectivity

A quarter of the world is still offline. We’re changing that.

A boat moves down the center of the Chagres River

There are about 2 billion people without access to the Internet. Many more are connected, but not to affordable and reliable services.

That’s why our global community is working to close the digital divide and make sure that no matter where people live, they can enjoy all the benefits the Internet has to offer.

The communities most affected by the digital divide are also among the most marginalized. Women, Indigenous Peoples, and displaced populations often face unique barriers to connectivity. Changing this takes passion and creativity. And it takes resources.

We push this change in three ways: we pool resources from partners to fund people building solutions to close the digital divide. We provide people with the expertise and technical components they need to establish resilient, affordable Internet access. And, together, we advocate for policies that help grow the Internet and create a safe online environment for all.

Key Connectivity Links

Key Connectivity Resources

Two men standing on a rooftop, gazing intently at an unseen object

Community-Centered Connectivity

Skills, financing, infrastructure, partnerships, and regulation all play a key role in Internet access.

Two men speaking with each other at a peering event

Sustainable Peering Infrastructure

Peering makes connectivity cheaper, better, and more reliable by using Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).

two men climbing on an antenna

Standards that Help Grow the Internet

We promote standards, such as IPv6 and Open Fiber Data Standards, to make the Internet more reliable for everyone.

A person capturing a photograph of a picturesque village

Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns are intentional disruptions of Internet connectivity, cutting access or making it effectively unavailable for a specific population, location, or mode of access.

Ruth Njeri

Internet Resilience

A resilient Internet connection is one that can maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of faults and challenges to normal operation.

Three people standing in a circle having a conversation during the Internet Development Conference

Policy and Advocacy

We engage with policymakers to create an enabling environment for community-centered connectivity solutions.

Making the Internet More Reliable in Panama

Making the Internet More Reliable in Panama

If you send a WhatsApp message to your friend in a neighboring town, why should the data have to travel to another country first just to ultimately reach someone close to you? In Panama, peering keeps data local, improving Internet speed, cost, and reliability.

Watch this story

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

A high view of Ougadougou, Burkina Faso
BlogStories

Local Businesses Benefit from Burkina Faso’s Internet Development

The Burkina Faso Internet Exchange (BFIX) is helping to keep Internet traffic local and build the country’s Internet resilience …
All About Peering: What It Is, How It's Done, and Why We Need It
Blog

All About Peering: What It Is, How It’s Done, and Why We Need It

Peering is a fundamental part of how the Internet works. It allows networks to exchange traffic directly, reducing reliance on …
Community-Driven IXPs 
Resources

Community-Driven IXPs 

This report focuses on community-driven IXPs, which are fundamental in supporting sustainable and resilient Internet infrastructure …
A man and woman shake their hands smiling
Events

Peering Roadshows 2025

The Peering Roadshows are where network managers can learn peering best practices to keep local connectivity reliable and affordable …
Policy Strategies for Closing the Digital Divide
Resources

Policy Strategies for Closing the Digital Divide

Explore tips, resources, and success stories to create inclusive Internet policies that empower local connectivity solutions …
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 …
Pulse Internet Measurement Forum, Malaysia
Events

Pulse Internet Measurement Forum, Malaysia

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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 …
APRICOT 2025
Events

APRICOT 2025

Representing Asia Pacific’s largest international Internet conference, Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (APRICOT) draws many of the …

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© Internet Society, © Chris Gregory, © Victor Ndonnang/Internet Society, © Nyani Quarmyne, © Ed Mukoma/Internet Society Foundation, © Flawless Events