Meta and the Internet Society have launched the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, a new project aimed at expanding affordable internet connections worldwide.

Announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the initiative commits a $30 million investment through 2030 to support infrastructure development in communities that have been overlooked by commercial providers.

The initiative will fund projects designed to improve connectivity in underserved areas, with investments directed toward building locally owned networks, community-centered solutions, and training programs to enhance technical skills in marginalized regions. This effort builds on a longstanding partnership between Meta and the Internet Society, which has previously focused on developing internet exchange points (IXPs) in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society, emphasized the importance of collective action. “This 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 across the world with insufficient or no Internet,” Wentworth said. She expressed hope that the initiative would play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering a more equitable digital society.

Meta is the first partner in the initiative, and the Internet Society is now calling for additional partners to help grow the fund and extend its impact. The partnership underscores a commitment to leveraging private and non-profit collaboration to address global connectivity challenges and promote economic growth and social inclusion through improved access to the internet.

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