By Martin Ekpeke
The Internet Society and Meta have unveiled a $30 million Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, aimed at scaling up efforts to expand affordable, reliable, and sustainable Internet access globally. The announcement, made at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, signifies an expanded partnership to tackle the digital divide.
The initiative, with a $30 million commitment from the Internet Society and its Foundation through 2030, welcomes Meta as its first co-funding partner. This collaborative effort seeks to bring internet access to the 2.6 billion people worldwide who are currently excluded from vital opportunities in education, healthcare, economic growth, and civic participation.
“Over the past several years, our partnership with Meta has resulted in 56 IXPs in 45 countries, giving millions of people faster, more affordable, and reliable Internet access,” stated Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society.
She noted that the new Connectivity Co-Funding initiative, supported by Meta, is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to more than 2 billion people worldwide who have insufficient or no Internet access.
Meanwhile, Aaron Russell, Director of Edge Network Infrastructure at Meta, added, “Meta is proud to extend our collaboration with the Internet Society, reinforcing our commitment to bridging the digital divide. Together, we aim to empower communities worldwide with sustainable and equitable Internet access, fostering innovation and connectivity for all.”
Building on a successful partnership since 2018, where the Internet Society and Meta collaborated on Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure, technical training, and internet resilience measurement, the Co-Funding Initiative will focus on:
· Increasing Funding and Advocacy: Supporting infrastructure deployment and empowering community network management.
· Addressing Market Gaps: Targeting areas where commercial providers lack a viable business case.
· Enhancing Training: Scaling technical capacity building, empowering marginalized groups, and developing future internet leaders.
· Improving Community-Centered Solutions: Strengthening last-mile connectivity for underserved populations.
· Building Sustainable Networks: Fostering locally owned, scalable networks that create jobs and promote self-reliance.
· Mobilizing Advocates: Leveraging the Internet Society’s global network to maximize impact.