Introduction to the Initiative

Meta and the Internet Society have established the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, aiming to expand affordable internet connection globally. The initiative was announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and involves a $30 million investment through 2030. This funding will be used to develop infrastructure in various communities, especially those overlooked by commercial providers.

The initiative also focuses on training programs to improve technical skills in marginalized areas, community-centered solutions for underserved regions, and locally owned networks that create jobs. This partnership is an expansion of the non-profit organization's collaboration with Meta, which began years ago when they worked together to improve internet connectivity in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America by developing Internet exchange points (IXPs).

Impact and Goals

According to Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society, this initiative is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to over 2 billion people worldwide with insufficient or no internet. The hope is that this fund will play a pivotal role in reducing the digital gap and creating a more equitable digital society.

Meta is the first partner for the Co-Funding Initiative, and the Internet Society is calling for more partners to help grow the fund. The initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global connectivity challenges and ensuring that the benefits of the internet are accessible to all.