Ushuaia, Argentina - view from the sea

Deploying the World’s Southernmost IXPs to Benefit 350,000 People

Improving the Internet’s technical conditions is an ambitious challenge. It’s an even greater challenge in one of the ten countries in the world with the greatest geographical scope. Internet Exchange Points (IXP) offer a solution. In Argentina, IXPs have been built since 2008, where they’ve covered the major cities. Now they’re extending their scope to reach remote locations.

A group of female students learn about ICT in Palestine.

Palestine Chapter Project for Schoolgirls Honored as WSIS Prizes 2019 Champion

The Internet Society Palestine Chapter project “Online Sexual Harassment-and-Blackmail Awareness for Palestinian Schoolgirls (iSHA)” has been selected as a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2019 Champion for the Category “Building confidence and security in use of ICTs”.

Man standing above valley in Lebanon with water reservoirs below

In Lebanon, Creating a Better Internet for Everyone

Today, we read about advancements in technology, including terraforming Mars – yet more than half of the world is still without a proper Internet connection.

It’s not just developing nations that lack access. Rural areas are affected, too.

Apply Now for Beyond the Net Small Grants for 2019

The Internet Society Foundation announces the 2019 Beyond the Net Small Grant Programme, supporting Internet Society Chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in creating positive change within their communities. With grants of up to $3,500 per Chapter or SIG, the programme funds local initiatives focused on learning opportunities, digital skills development, networking events, and membership and marketing campaigns.

Two men standing on road in Kyrgyzstan in front of a mountain range

Digital Learning Project Offsets Teacher, Text Book Shortages in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s education system faces shortages of teachers and textbooks. To address this, engineer Erjigit Imamov developed Bilim Bulagy, a $10 microcomputer providing offline access to Khan Academy and Wikipedia. With support from the Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant, the Kyrgyz Chapter partnered with the Ministry of Education to pilot the devices in 50 schools and libraries. The project strengthens learning opportunities, supports rural communities, and helps preserve Kyrgyz culture.

Event photographs of attendees of Combatting Online Abuse through Research and Education

Education Campaign Curbs Digital Violence Against Barbadian Women and Girls

The Internet Society Barbados Chapter, with support from the Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant, developed an education campaign to address digital violence against women and girls. Through workshops, public outreach, and digital literacy training, the initiative empowered participants to recognize online abuse, protect themselves, and advocate for safer Internet practices. The campaign strengthened community resilience and promoted gender equality in the digital space.

A mountainous and greem landscape in Nepal.

Telemedicine Program Brings Medical Care to Remote Reaches of Nepal

The Internet Society Nepal Chapter, with support from the Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant, introduced a telemedicine program to deliver healthcare to remote Himalayan communities. Using Internet connectivity and digital platforms, local health workers can consult with doctors in urban centers, access medical records, and provide timely care. The initiative reduces travel burdens, improves health outcomes, and strengthens resilience in underserved areas.