IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Program Expands Internet Access to Billions Still Offline

Nearly 30% of the global population remains offline, with over 2 billion people disconnected from the internet, according to a November report by the International Telecommunication Union. While digital connectivity has become essential for tasks such as shopping, bill payments, and virtual meetings, significant gaps persist in accessibility.

IEEE Future Networks’ Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program is working to bridge this divide by accelerating the development, standardization, and deployment of 5G, 6G, and future network generations. Since its launch in 2021, CTU has fostered innovation and collaboration to expand internet access worldwide.

The program operates through two key initiatives:

• A global innovation challenge that identifies and supports early-stage technologies and applications designed to improve connectivity.
• An annual summit that convenes experts, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for digital inclusion and policy development.

In 2023, CTU expanded its efforts with regional summits focused on localized connectivity challenges, community-focused events, and an enhanced mentorship program to support contest winners and emerging innovators. The program also collaborates with the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) to establish guidelines for submitted innovations.

Connecting the Unconnected Challenge: Fostering Innovation for Digital Inclusion

The CTU challenge, launched in 2021, invites participants to submit projects aimed at improving internet access. Last year, the program received 245 submissions from 52 countries, including academics, nonprofits, startups, and students.

Projects are categorized into three areas:

• Technology Applications: Innovations that introduce new connectivity methods or expand broadband access.
• Business Model: Solutions that enhance the affordability of internet services.
• Community Enablement: Strategies that promote public adoption of broadband.

Participants may choose between two tracks based on their project’s maturity:

• Proof-of-Concept: For functional, early-stage technologies that have demonstrated results.
• Conceptual: For theoretical projects that have not yet undergone full testing.

The 2023 submission period ran from March to June, with judging phases from June to November. The 20 winners presented their solutions in December at a virtual Winners Summit. Fourteen projects received prize money ranging from US $500 to $2,500, while six finalists earned honorable mentions. Award amounts vary annually based on sponsorship.

Among the 2023 winners was a solar-powered community broadband network in Tanzania, recognized for its low-cost, sustainable approach to expanding internet access in underserved regions.

"IEEE Future Networks has created a community to bring all these initiatives working on digital connectivity together in a single platform and leverage the IEEE brand to help raise the visibility of their work."

— Sudhir Dixit, IEEE Life Fellow, CTU cochair, and founder of the Basic Internet Foundation