Company: unconnected.org
Founder: Mea Thompson, Andrew Atkinson
Website: https://unconnected.org/
About unconnected.org
Unconnected.org was founded in 2017 with the mission of bridging the global digital divide by providing sustainable, community-driven connectivity solutions to underserved regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. From the outset, we recognised that internet access is essential for education, healthcare, and economic growth. Our goal was to ensure that even the most remote communities were not left behind in the digital age.
One of the most significant challenges we faced was addressing the lack of reliable infrastructure in many of the regions we aim to serve. In areas with unstable power grids or no electricity at all, traditional connectivity solutions were unfeasible. To overcome this, we developed innovative, low-cost, energy-efficient solutions such as solar-powered internet hubs that operate independently of the local power grid. These hubs have been key to bringing internet access to rural, off-grid areas where traditional connectivity would not have been possible.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our initiatives presented a significant challenge. We moved beyond temporary solutions, focusing instead on empowering communities to manage their own networks. To this end, we established strategic partnerships with local Internet Service Providers, technicians, and entrepreneurs. These collaborations enabled them to construct, maintain, and expand networks independently.
Furthermore, by leveraging our global procurement capabilities, we reduced costs and facilitated access to high-quality infrastructure for our local implementation partners. This strategy not only strengthens the resilience of our solutions but also generates local employment and fosters the growth of a grassroots digital economy.
Our work in Kenya exemplifies this approach. We partnered with local ISPs and technicians to develop a sustainable, community-driven network in a rural region, demonstrating the effectiveness of our long-term empowerment model.
In terms of environmental impact, unconnected.org has worked hard to minimise the ecological footprint of our solutions. Our solar-powered hubs are a prime example of how we prioritise sustainability. By using solar energy to power our internet hubs, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions in the regions we serve. This approach not only provides communities with reliable internet access but also contributes to cleaner, greener technology solutions. We are also committed to using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient devices whenever possible, further reducing our environmental impact.
Since our inception, we have empowered over 4.5 million individuals by providing them with access to essential digital resources. For example, in East Africa, through our collaboration with the Internet Society (ISOC), we have significantly improved connectivity in Malawi, Kenya, and Nigeria, connecting thousands of people to affordable, reliable internet.
In Malaysia, we support refugee-led schools by providing internet access and devices to undocumented students, ensuring education remains accessible. In the Philippines, we enhance connectivity in barangays, enabling communities to better respond to crises and improve their quality of life.
We currently operate in 17 countries and are deeply committed to creating a sustainable digital future. Our focus on energy-efficient technologies, local empowerment, and reducing our environmental footprint ensures that the connectivity we provide is not only transformative but also aligned with long-term, eco-friendly goals. By working with local communities, governments, and global technology partners, we are striving to build an inclusive digital world where no one is left behind.
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