Last-Mile Connectivity

A lack of digital connectivity is a prelude to exclusion in today’s rapidly changing world. Yet, more than 600 million people worldwide remain uncovered by mobile networks and broadband services. Internet connectivity in the most remote places is essential to ensuring that the most vulnerable populations do not get left behind.

Through Digital Frontiers activities, the project contributes to improving connectivity by building the capacity of local communities to establish and maintain telecommunications infrastructure, by strengthening the last-mile delivery of broadband services, and by working directly with local Internet service providers around the world to help bring more people in rural areas online.

Activities

South Asia Regional Digital Initiative (SARDI)

Implemented through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), SARDI is working to improve digital connectivity in the South Asia region, strengthen the private sector and civil society’s digital capacity, and improve their ability to engage on ICT policy issues. SARDI’s digital connectivity track focuses on enabling digital access and last-mile connectivity to propel inclusive social and economic well-being across society. The program strengthens the last-mile delivery of broadband services to help women entrepreneurs, community development organizations, and local communities obtain access to Internet and digital services.

Learn more here.

USAID Microsoft Airband Initiative

The USAID Microsoft Airband Initiative aims to address the gender digital divide through bringing meaningful connectivity and Internet access to more women in remote areas of the world. This public-private partnership between Microsoft Corporation’s Airband Initiative and USAID works to create sustainable and gender-equitable connectivity offerings by working alongside Airband partners in Guatemala, Ghana, India, Colombia, and Kenya.

Learn more here.

WomenConnect Challenge (WCC)

The USAID WomenConnect Challenge, implemented by DAI, is a global call for solutions to improve women’s participation in everyday life by meaningfully changing the ways women access and use technology. To date, USAID has awarded over $4.9 million to 16 grantees working to address barriers limiting women’s access to technology and to connect nearly 6 million women in 16 different countries. Several grantees work on last-mile connectivity solutions, including WCC Round 1 and Round 3 grantee AFCHIX, which works to create entrepreneurial opportunities for rural women in Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, and Namibia to work as network engineers and run local Internet service providers.

Learn more here.