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[London, UK] – [02/05/2024] – In a groundbreaking move, unconnected.org has announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering rural communities in the Philippines. This partnership will provide internet access and digital skills training to 50 community anchor institutions, with a goal to extend connectivity to one million people by December 2025.
unconnected.org is a global organization focused on connecting communities through local entrepreneurship. They have successfully implemented connectivity solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and are currently expanding into Malaysia and Latin America. Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, on the other hand, is committed to bringing internet access to 250 million people in underserved and unserved communities around the world by 2025.
The digital divide in the Philippines is a significant issue, with only 56.1% of households reporting internet access according to the 2020 Philippine Census of Population and Housing. This partnership aims to address the issue of affordability, rather than network availability, by providing affordable and meaningful internet access to millions of people in rural areas.
Mea Thompson, Co-Founder of unconnected.org, believes that this collaboration has the potential to make a significant impact. “By providing internet access to rural communities in the Philippines, Microsoft Airband and unconnected.org are empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and creating a brighter future for all,” she stated.
The focus of this collaboration goes beyond mere connectivity. The aim is to empower communities in the rural Philippines through enhanced education, improved healthcare, economic participation, and greater well-being. Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, sees this partnership as a crucial step towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. “We believe that internet access is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and communities to thrive in the digital economy. Through our collaboration with unconnected.org, we’re working closely with local ISPs, hardware manufacturers, and funders to roll out affordable internet access across the Philippines, with the aim of fostering economic development and regional growth,” she said.
This partnership between unconnected.org and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is a demonstration of the hub-and-spoke model, with connectivity being brought to anchor institutions and then expanded to surrounding communities. It is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering rural communities in the Philippines.
Media Contact:
Gabriella Powell – gpowell@unconnected.org
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.