Unconnected.org, a global community connectivity organization, has announced a new strategic collaboration with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines and empower rural communities.
The collaboration aims to provide internet access and digital skills training to 50 community anchor institutions, such as schools and clinics, in the Philippines by December 2025. This initiative, which will be implemented through a hub-and-spoke model, has a goal of extending internet connectivity to one million people in the Philippines.
Despite a reported internet user rate of 73% in the Philippines, only 56.1% of households have internet access, according to the 2020 Philippine Census of Population and Housing. This highlights the issue of affordability rather than network availability in the country.
The partnership between unconnected.org and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative brings a wealth of experience and resources to address this critical issue in the Philippines. Unconnected.org has a successful track record of connecting communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and is currently expanding its reach to communities in Malaysia and across Latin America. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is committed to bringing internet access to 250 million people in underserved communities worldwide by the end of 2025.
According to Mea Thompson, Co-Founder of unconnected.org, the potential impact of this collaboration is inspiring. She believes that by providing affordable and meaningful internet access to millions of people in the Philippines, the partnership will empower individuals, foster economic growth, and create a brighter future for all.
This partnership goes beyond just providing connectivity; it also focuses on empowering communities in rural areas. By bridging the digital divide, unconnected.org and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative aim to unlock a world of opportunities, including enhanced education, improved healthcare, economic participation, and greater well-being.
Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, stated that universal, affordable internet access is a cornerstone of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and this partnership is a key stride towards achieving that objective. She believes that internet access is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and communities to thrive in the digital economy. Through their collaboration with unconnected.org, Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is working closely with local ISPs, hardware manufacturers, and funders to provide affordable internet access across the Philippines, with the aim of fostering economic development and regional growth.
About unconnected.org:
Unconnected.org is dedicated to connecting communities worldwide by working with local entrepreneurs to build connectivity infrastructure in their communities. They collaborate with local partners to design, deploy, and manage self-sustainable internet connectivity solutions, empowering individuals and communities with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Media Contact:
Gabriella Powell – gpowell@unconnected.org
