IEEE's Connecting the Unconnected Program Expands to Bridge Digital Divide for 2 Billion Offline
Breaking: Nearly 2 Billion Still Offline as Global Connectivity Push Intensifies
Despite the internet's critical role in daily life—from shopping to virtual meetings—a staggering 2.6 billion people remain offline, according to a recent International Telecommunication Union report. That's nearly 30% of the global population.
In response, IEEE Future Networks' Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program is ramping up efforts. Since 2021, the initiative has accelerated development of 5G, 6G, and beyond, aiming to close the digital divide.
Quote from Expert
"IEEE Future Networks has created a community to bring all these initiatives working on digital connectivity together in a single platform and leverage the IEEE brand to help raise the visibility of their work," says IEEE Life Fellow Sudhir Dixit, CTU cochair and cofounder of the Basic Internet Foundation.
Background: A Multi-Pronged Strategy
CTU launched in 2021 as a technical community to accelerate connectivity innovations. Its annual worldwide competition seeks early-stage technologies or applications that can expand access. Winners receive mentorship and visibility through IEEE's global network.
The program also hosts an annual summit uniting experts, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for digital inclusion. In 2024, CTU expanded further with regional summits targeting local connectivity issues, community-focused events, and an enhanced mentorship program.
Partnerships with the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) help develop guidelines for submitted innovations, ensuring scalability and interoperability.
What This Means: A Path to Universal Access
The expansion signals a critical shift from broad goals to localized solutions. Regional summits allow communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to address unique barriers like infrastructure gaps or affordability. The mentorship program nurtures the next generation of innovators, from students to startups.
"CTU is not just about technology—it's about empowering people to connect, learn, and participate in the global economy," adds Dixit.
The Challenge: Categories and Tracks
The annual CTU challenge draws 200–300 submissions each year. In 2024, 245 projects from 52 countries competed. Participants include academics, nonprofits, startups, and students.
Projects fall into three categories:
- Technology Applications: New connectivity methods or innovations broadening broadband access.
- Business Model: Approaches improving affordability of internet services.
- Community Enablement: Strategies promoting public broadband adoption.
Entrants choose between two tracks based on project maturity:
- Proof-of-concept: Early-stage but functional technology with results.
- Conceptual: Theoretical projects not yet fully tested.
Winners gain mentorship and IEEE backing, accelerating deployment.
Urgent Need for Action
With 2.6 billion still offline, programs like CTU are vital. The ITU report underscores that without accelerated efforts, digital inequality will widen. CTU's 2024 expansions—regional focus, mentorship, and standards—aim to turn the tide.
"Every person connected opens doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity," Dixit concludes. The race to connect the unconnected is on.