The Internet Society and Meta have collaborated to launch the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, a groundbreaking project aimed at increasing access to affordable internet connections globally. This significant undertaking was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Through this initiative, the partners have committed to investing $30 million by 2030, primarily focusing on developing infrastructure in communities that have been overlooked or ignored by commercial internet providers. Additionally, the funds will be allocated to training programs designed to enhance the technical capabilities of marginalized communities, support community-centered solutions for underserved areas, and promote locally owned networks that generate employment opportunities.

## Expansion of the Partnership with Meta

This initiative marks an expansion of the Internet Society’s existing partnership with Meta, which was established years ago with the goal of improving internet connectivity in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America by developing Internet exchange points (IXPs). These IXPs are physical locations where internet service providers can exchange traffic, playing a crucial role in enhancing internet connectivity.

## Call for Additional Partners

Meta is the Internet Society’s first partner for the Co-Funding Initiative, and the non-profit organization is now calling for more partners to contribute to the growth of this fund. According to Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society, “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. It is our hope that this fund plays a pivotal role in reducing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society.”