IEEE Program Aims to Connect the Billions Who Are Still Offline

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 30% of the global population remains offline, highlighting a significant digital divide.
• The IEEE's Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program fosters innovation to enhance internet access.
• Annual competitions and mentorship programs support emerging technologies aimed at improving connectivity.
• Community-focused initiatives aim to ensure that new technologies are effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
• Successful projects demonstrate the potential for innovative solutions to address connectivity challenges.

Despite the pervasive nature of the Internet in our daily lives, a staggering 2 billion people remain disconnected. The IEEE's Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) initiative is a concerted effort to address this digital divide by fostering innovation and collaboration among technologists, community leaders, and policymakers. Launched in 2021, CTU aims to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced technologies like 5G and 6G, which are essential for expanding internet access globally.

Every year, CTU hosts a worldwide competition to identify and support innovators who are developing solutions to enhance connectivity. The program categorizes projects into three main areas: Technology Applications, which focuses on new methods for connectivity; Business Models, aimed at making internet services more affordable; and Community Enablement, which promotes public adoption of broadband services. This structured approach allows participants to select tracks based on their project's maturity, whether proof-of-concept or conceptual.

In 2025, the CTU challenge received 245 submissions from 52 countries, showcasing a diverse array of innovative projects. Notable winners included a solar-powered community broadband network in Tanzania and a low-cost internet access method utilizing FM radio and SMS technology. These projects exemplify the potential of grassroots solutions to address connectivity challenges in underserved regions.

Furthermore, the CTU program emphasizes community engagement through initiatives like the Connect a Community event, where winning technologies are demonstrated to local populations. This hands-on approach ensures that innovations are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable in real-world scenarios. By involving communities directly, the program fosters a sense of ownership and encourages local participation in the deployment of new technologies.

To bolster the success of these projects, the IEEE has also launched the Empowerment Through Mentorship program. This initiative pairs emerging entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide guidance on scaling their businesses and navigating the challenges of bringing new technologies to market. With a commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation, the IEEE collaborates with organizations like the Lemelson Foundation to support entrepreneurs in regions such as East Africa and India.

As part of its mission, the CTU program also works closely with the IEEE Standards Association to develop guidelines for promising technologies. This collaboration ensures that successful innovations can be standardized and implemented on a larger scale, facilitating wider adoption and impact. By creating a framework for best practices, the IEEE helps ensure that new technologies can be effectively integrated into existing infrastructures.

In summary, the IEEE's Connecting the Unconnected initiative represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide. By fostering innovation, supporting community engagement, and providing mentorship, the program aims to connect billions of people who currently lack internet access, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and enabling participation in the digital economy. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for connectivity but also lays the groundwork for sustainable development in underserved areas.

FAQ

• What is the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected program?
  The IEEE Connecting the Unconnected program is an initiative aimed at expanding internet access to the billions of people who remain offline through innovation and community engagement.
• How does the CTU competition work?
  The CTU competition invites innovators to submit projects that enhance connectivity, categorized into Technology Applications, Business Models, and Community Enablement.
• What types of projects have been successful in the CTU challenge?
  Successful projects include solar-powered broadband networks and low-cost internet access solutions utilizing FM radio and SMS.
• How does the mentorship program support entrepreneurs?
  The Empowerment Through Mentorship program pairs entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to provide guidance on scaling their businesses and overcoming challenges.
• Why is community engagement important in the CTU program?
  Community engagement ensures that new technologies are practically applicable and encourages local ownership and participation in the deployment of solutions.

Sources and further reading:

• IEEE Spectrum: IEEE Program Aims to Connect the Billions Who Are Still Offline