About 2.6 billion people worldwide don’t have access to the Internet. Community-centered connectivity could be a solution – connectivity solutions that are built for, with, or by local communities themselves.
There are a variety of economic and social reasons to remain offline. Connectivity gaps often fall hardest on marginalized groups, including displaced populations, women and indigenous peoples.
- Displaced Populations—Refugees, migrants, and those affected by conflict or climate typically live in areas with limited infrastructure, unclear legal status, and short-term planning horizons.
- Women—Globally, women are less likely than men to have Internet access, especially in rural and low-income areas. Barriers include affordability, social norms, and limited access to education.
- Indigenous Peoples—Many Indigenous communities live in remote areas, where connectivity is sparse or absent. They may also face exclusion due to language and a lack of culturally relevant content.
“Those who could benefit most from access to education, markets, health services, and civic participation—some of the opportunities the Internet offers—are least able to get online. Worse: the lack of connectivity can deepen inequalities that these populations already face”, the Internet Society writes. “Without tailored solutions, these barriers will persist. Community-centered connectivity efforts offer a way to develop sustainable solutions by involving communities directly in designing and managing networks that meet their needs.”
Photo: Socia media banner in Thailand. By Pratyeka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
