one billion connections.
one shared future.

Affordable, secure, high-speed internet for underserved communities: catalyzing investment to connect one billion more people to opportunity, to progress and to each other.

Right
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
the global digital divide
join us in bridging
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We are on a mission

By equipping small, local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with capital, technical support, and a network of partners, we’re helping them deliver safe and secure connectivity to underserved communities.

Team section

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Full Name
Role at C
‍Previously: Company 1, Company 2

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Full Name
Role at Company
Previously: Company 1, Company 2

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Full Name
Role at Company
Previously: Company 1, Company 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Full Name
Role at Company
Previously: Company 1, Company 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Full Name
Role at Company
Previously: Company 1, Company 2

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Full Name
Role at Company
Previously: Company 1, Company 2

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one in a billion

From vendors to executives, ISPs to everyday users: people power the connection. Each link in the chain brings us closer to a more inclusive digital future, where opportunity flows across borders and no one is left behind.

“I think that the internet that Ilitha is bringing to Mandela Park will be revolutionary. It will allow kids to apply to universities online. Kids can do their homework and research from home. Many teenagers here drop out of high school and get into drugs and alcohol. They are unmotivated. Having internet access will also allow the unemployed to apply for jobs online and update their CVs.”

Bongeka
Sales for Ilitha, South Africa

“We don’t have any services here. Giving this community access to the internet will create so many opportunities that have not been available to people before.”

Asimbonge
Entrepreneur, South Africa

"I can’t wait to get a proper connection! It will be so good. It means that I don’t have to travel to town to go to an internet café to do research. The way things are now, I have to catch a taxi to town which is R30 return and then also pay for the internet café fees for printing and computer use. Even to just send an email costs money. Some places charge R5 or R10 just for 15min of time spent.”

Simmy
College Student, South Africa

"I know that the internet is coming. I use data now for WhatsApp and Facebook and to advertise my business, and I will find many other ways to market when I have unlimited data. I
am very excited!"

Sihle
Food Stall Owner, South Africa

"Early-stage, high-potential internet service providers lack access to financing needed to grow and scale their businesses. If this challenge is not addressed, we will never achieve universal, meaningful internet connectivity. Connect One Billion is working to address that financing gap and to inspire others to do the same."

Paul Garnett
CEO, C1B and Vernonburg Group
Aisha Nakato
Shop Owner, Kira Town, Uganda

"Connectivity means freedom to me. I live in a small village, and I run a food store business, being online reliably means I can get banking payments and I can study in the evening."

Paul Garret
CEO, C1B and Vernonburg Group

"It’s become my life mission to bridge the connectivity gap, this feels like one of those apex actions that can level playing fields."

Chanda Phiri
Farmer, Kitwe, Zambia

"Connectivity means opportunity to me. I live in a farming village, and I run a small poultry farm, being online reliably means I can sell eggs to markets and learn better farming methods."

DID YOU KNOW

nearly 2.6 billion people are still unconnected

In low-and middle-income countries, only 35% have internet access, compared to 93% in wealthier nations. Local ISPs are ready to lead the charge but face barriers like limited funding, high infrastructure costs, and scaling challenges.

empowering local ISPs

We believe in a bottom-up approach - because local providers know their communities better than anyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Together, these elements unlock sustainable growth for ISPs and deliver meaningful connectivity at scale.

  • concessional capital
    Flexible early-stage financing to spark innovation

  • growth equity
    Scalable equity to fuel expansion

  • technical assistance
    Hands-on support to strengthen operations and sustainability

Why It Matters

Connectivity is not a luxury - it’s a lifeline

Internet access powers education, economic growth, climate resilience, and innovation. A 10% increase in broadband access can boost GDP by up to 2.3% in vulnerable economies. The demand is surging. Now is the time to invest in scalable, meaningful connectivity solutions.

let's connect

and create change
Got Questions?

frequently asked questions

What is Connect One Billion’s mission?

Connect One Billion exists to bridge the global digital divide by connecting one billion more people to affordable, secure, high-speed internet within the next decade. We do this by equipping small, local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with the financing, technical assistance, and partnerships they need to grow and serve their communities.

Why focus on local ISPs instead of large telecoms?
How can investors and partners get involved?
Why is internet connectivity so critical for underserved communities?

every connection counts

Together, we can bridge the digital divide and unlock opportunities for a billion more people.

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