Internet Society

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Many of us in the Internet community are mourning the loss of Alan Barrett. For more than three decades, Alan played a foundational role in shaping the Internet in Africa and beyond.

He helped establish the first connection to universities in South Africa, co-founded the country’s first commercial Internet service provider, became one of the key architects behind AFRINIC, and participated in various groups, councils, and boards.

But beyond the titles and accomplishments, many will remember Alan for the thoughtful, reliable, and dedicated person he was. Rest in peace.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Alan Barrett, a friend, colleague, mentor, and one of the builders of the Internet in Africa.

05/28/2026

Community-centered connectivity is one of the most effective approaches for bringing the world’s hardest-to-connect areas online.

Uganda’s Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement has put this model to practice, with two fully operational, community-owned digital hubs now serving 4,500 people in a region with limited grid power, high connectivity costs, and uneven digital access.

Read more: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/05/from-email-to-case-study-what-we-learned-about-connecting-refugee-communities-in-just-one-year/

05/25/2026

When Internet exchange points ( ) keep traffic local, costs fall while speed and reliability increase.

In 40 out of 50 countries we analyzed, the share of income needed to afford basic mobile broadband fell by more than 10% after receiving a grant from the Internet Society Foundation for IXP development or local peering ecosystem support. In several countries, the improvement is far larger—well above 50%—suggesting substantial shifts in affordability over time.

Read more ⬇️

Local infrastructure impacts Internet affordability: if cost is lower and speed and reliability are higher, providers can offer lower prices.

05/22/2026

Whether by design or by accident, Internet policies can make it harder for people to connect or have a safe online experience. These policies put the Internet’s core principles—openness, decentralization, and interoperability—at risk.

Our community helps combat threats to the Internet by advocating for favorable Internet policies at local, regional, and international levels.

05/21/2026

21 May marks the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day–a day dedicated to digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

05/19/2026

There is no clear global consensus on how to report fiber data, and we need one. It would make it easier to plan and implement infrastructure, ultimately bringing more people online.

That’s why we’re supporting the Open Fibre Data Standard (OFDS), which describes what data to publish about fiber optic networks and how to structure and format that data, using a set of common concepts and definitions.

Read more about the OFDS, why standards matter, multistakeholder governance, and more ⬇️

The Open Fibre Data Standard is an initiative to develop and implement a common language for describing terrestrial fiber networks.

05/19/2026

❗Last week to apply!

👉 Applications for the 2026 Research Grant Program close on 22 May.

If you’re a researcher, organization, or institution, don’t miss this opportunity to develop innovative and actionable research that addresses critical issues of our digital era.

🔗 Apply now: https://www.isocfoundation.org/2026/04/applications-open-for-the-research-grant-program/

05/18/2026

❗Reminder: Don’t miss our upcoming webinar on the Common Good Cyber Fund!

Discover how the Common Good Cyber Fund grant program supports nonprofit organizations advancing a safer Internet for vulnerable groups, securing the Internet’s critical infrastructure, and protecting high-risk users from digital threats.

🛜 If your nonprofit organization’s work focuses on building a safer and more secure Internet, this session is for you.

👉Join us on 20 May at 14:00 UTC
🔗Register here: https://isoc.pub/CGCFinfosession
The webinar will be held in English, with live interpretation in French and Spanish.

Learn more about the Common Good Cyber Fund grant program:
https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/common-good-cyber-fund/

05/15/2026

People everywhere deserve an Internet experience that is safe, secure, and protects them online.

In 2025, we prioritized targeted grants, training, and advocacy to amplify the knowledge and resources of our global community, enabling people and communities to navigate the Internet safely.