Meta and Internet Society Launch Global Initiative to Enhance Internet Access Worldwide

Meta Corporation* and the Internet Society (ISOC) have announced the launch of a joint initiative aimed at financing the expansion of internet access globally, particularly in underserved and unserved regions. The program was unveiled in Barcelona at the MWC 2025, which concludes on March 6.

According to ISOC, over 2.6 billion people still lack access to the internet, hindering their ability to obtain vital educational opportunities and creating difficulties for health care, economic development, and civic engagement.

The Internet Society and its subsidiary, the Internet Society Foundation, have committed to investing $30 million by 2030 as part of this initiative. Meta has joined the effort as the first founding partner. ISOC is calling on more companies to support the initiative.

The project primarily focuses on funding community-oriented network infrastructure, addressing market gaps and failures, and expanding training programs to enhance technical capabilities.

Furthermore, the partners aim to support local networks that generate jobs and reinforce solutions for last-mile connectivity in underserved areas. ISOC boasts a network of 130 local chapters and 133,000 members.

This co-funding initiative builds on the partnership between Meta and ISOC that has been in place for several years. Since 2018, the two entities have been developing internet traffic exchange point infrastructure in 45 countries, training technical communities, and assessing internet resilience across various nations.

Meta is also investing in other global internet initiatives. Last month, the company announced plans to construct a 50,000 km underwater cable. This backbone will connect the USA, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions, culminating in the world’s longest underwater cable. Reports indicate that Meta plans to spend over $10 billion on this project.

_{Meta Platforms*, along with its social networks Facebook** and Instagram**:
*designated as an extremist organization, its operations are banned in Russia.
** are prohibited in Russia.}