We’re delighted to announce that Connect Humanity has been awarded a grant from the Digital Infrastructure Insights Fund (DIIF)—a multi-funder initiative by the Ford Foundation and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, hosted by Aspiration—to advance our research on enhancing sustainability for community-focused Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in underserved areas of low- and middle-income countries. 

The grant supports a new project that aims to explore how small, community-focused, ISPs can leverage Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) to overcome the systemic challenges of delivering affordable, reliable internet to those most in need. This research, focused in Brazil, will answer the critical question: “To what extent do community-focused Internet Service Providers (ISPs) leverage Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) technologies, and what steps are needed to encourage broader FOSS adoption to enhance internet accessibility, affordability, and the sustainability of these community-focused connectivity services?”

Empowering Small ISPs with Open Source

In Brazil, where more than 160 million people lack access to the level of data, speed, devices, and/or usage environment necessary to fully benefit from the internet, there are many areas that are not considered profitable for large players in the telecom sector. In these areas, over 11,000 small ISPs (and likely even more!) play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. These providers are connecting underserved regions, including rural and low-income urban areas, despite facing significant barriers such as limited capital, high operational costs, and difficulties scaling their networks.

This project seeks to shed light on how FOSS can be a powerful tool for digital inclusion in Brazil. Many of these providers already rely on FOSS to reduce costs in network deployment and maintenance. However, the potential of open-source solutions remains underutilized due to challenges such as limited technical expertise, inadequate user support, and the complexity of available tools. Addressing these issues is crucial to unlocking the transformative power of open-source technologies to address the need for universal and meaningful connectivity.

Katharina Meyer, Director of the Digital Infrastructure Insights Fund, said:

“At the heart of D//F’s mission as a research fund dedicated to advancing sustainable, secure, and resilient open digital infrastructures (ODIs) in the public interest lies a commitment to foster access, inclusion, and opportunities for end-users whom the market tends to overlook and fails to serve. By leveraging open technologies and exploring collaborative ways to deploy them, our mutual goal with Connect Humanity is to address critical gaps in digital infrastructure. We are proud to support this project in Brazil, a country with a rich FOSS history, advancing our shared vision of bridging the digital divide and empowering inclusive and sustainable digital solutions.“

Furthering International Efforts

By conducting detailed research and collaborating with small and community-focused ISPs in Brazil, we aim at continuing our efforts in the country, especially the ones developed in partnership with the Center for Studies and Research in Network Technologies and Operations (Ceptro.br) from NIC.br to provide training focused on investment readiness.

Nathalia Foditsch, who leads the International Programs for Connect Humanity, said:

“We believe this effort has the potential to transform how connectivity is delivered in regions traditionally overlooked by the market economy. By deepening our understanding of how FOSS can empower community connectivity providers, this initiative will benefit not only Brazil but also other nations facing similar challenges.”

Stay tuned for updates as we advance this critical research and continue to champion digital inclusion for all.