The Internet Society (ISOC) has joined forces with Meta to launch a new Connectivity Co-Funding Program at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. Its purpose is to expand affordable, reliable Internet access around the world, especially in areas that are underserved or neglected by commercial institutions.

The nonprofit noted that more than 2.6 billion people still lack access to the Internet, making it harder for them to access important educational opportunities, health care, economic growth and civic engagement. Additionally, the 2025 internet speed results show huge differences in broadband internet performance across countries around the world.

As part of the initiative, the Internet Society and its subsidiary Internet Society Foundation have committed $30 million through 2030. Meta Corporation joins the initiative as the first co-founding partner, and the Internet Society calls on more companies to "support the vision of a more equitable, connected world."

The Internet Society's new initiative focuses on funding community-focused Internet infrastructure, addressing market gaps and failures, and expanding training programs to build technical capacity.

It also aims to support locally owned networks, create jobs and enhance last-mile connectivity solutions for residents, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities in underserved areas. The Internet Society has a network of 130 local chapters and 133,000 members that contribute to global impact.

"This new Connectivity Co-Funding initiative powered by Meta is a model of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to the more than 2 billion people around the world who have insufficient or no internet. We hope this fund will play a key role in closing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society.

The co-funding initiative builds on a multi-year partnership between Meta and the Internet Society. Since 2018, the two parties have collaborated to develop Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure in 45 countries, train technology communities, and measure Internet resilience in countries around the world.

As one of the largest technology companies today, Meta is investing in other global Internet projects. The social media giant is developing a multi-billion-dollar undersea internet cable that will circle the globe and be 50,000 kilometers long.