As 2025 comes to a close, reflection on the state of digital connectivity highlights both persistent challenges and meaningful achievements. Globally, 2.2 billion people remain unconnected, and among those with access, many still lack meaningful, community-centred connectivity that addresses local needs. Despite these obstacles, significant progress has been made this year through a variety of strategies aimed at narrowing the digital divide, including measuring the benefits of community-centred connectivity initiatives (CCCIs), advocating for enabling policies and financing, strengthening multistakeholder networks, and integrating gender and environmental considerations into technology access.
The Routing for Communities podcast marked a milestone with the launch of its second season, offering four new episodes that explore how community-focused connectivity transforms lives, empowers women, and strengthens networks. These episodes encourage reflection on the broader movement for community-centred connectivity and provide insights into how to make internet access more meaningful for communities worldwide.
Several community networks and initiatives demonstrated innovative approaches to digital inclusion in 2025. At COP30 in Belem, Brazil, projects explored the links between digital infrastructure and environmental justice, while in Colombia, the Colnodo project improved environmental monitoring systems with active community involvement. In Indonesia, participatory rural appraisals were conducted to assess and plan local connectivity needs, and in Mexico, TIC A.C. celebrated a decade of achievements, including the first Indigenous social concession for telecommunications.
Gender equity remained a key focus, with initiatives such as the Women of Uganda Network and the NANUM Connected Women Project in South America working to connect women and girls, enhance digital literacy, and provide meaningful internet access. Thought leadership pieces and community reflections emphasized the intersection of gender and digital justice, reinforcing the importance of inclusive connectivity strategies.
Policy and regulatory developments advanced community-centred approaches, with multistakeholder dialogues, national strategies in Nigeria and Kenya, and the Konektadong Pinoy Act in the Philippines supporting bottom-up empowerment in connectivity. Global forums, such as the Digital Citizen Summit in Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of inclusive engagement models, regional collaboration, and accountability in digital ecosystems.
Research and publications further supported evidence-based connectivity efforts. ITU-D reports offered insights into broadband deployment and rural ICTs, while the IGF 2025 Policy Network emphasized the need for connectivity solutions adapted to underserved populations. Community-led initiatives, such as Wiki Katat in Mexico and the MTST book “Tecnologia Sem-Teto,” documented strategies for digital sovereignty, empowerment, and multistakeholder engagement.
Key events and funding opportunities this year provided further support to community networks. COP30, national convenings in the Philippines, the Katalib launch in Latin America, and RightsCon 2026 in Zambia all promoted knowledge exchange and advocacy. Funding programs like the NGI Zero Commons Fund, FREE STEM Fund, and Urgent Action Fund Africa offered grants for projects advancing digital inclusion, gender equity, and human rights.
Finally, the Community Networks Learning Repository continued to serve as a collective space for sharing resources, manuals, research, and methodologies, enabling communities worldwide to learn from each other and strengthen connectivity initiatives. This newsletter is part of the Local Networks initiative (LocNet), which supports meaningful community-centred connectivity while fostering an enabling ecosystem for growth and sustainability.
