Connecting Gabagaba: How Community Networks are Transforming Papua New Guinea

In Gabagaba, Papua New Guinea, new Internet access is transforming lives. Where connectivity was once scarce, the community-led Gabaspot Network now serves about 5,000 people, opening doors to knowledge and opportunity for residents.

You can see their inspiring story in this short YouTube video.

This significant change was made possible through dedicated partnership. The Internet Society collaborated closely with local technologists on the ground, like Guise Vere, and with Papua New Guinea's national regulator, NICTA. By leveraging Universal Access Funds, we were able to support a community-centered approach focused on building reliable, sustainable Internet access tailored to Gabagaba's needs.

The impact is clear and far-reaching:

• Local schools now have the tools to teach vital digital literacy skills.
• Farmers are using online information to discover and implement new methods.
• Local healthcare workers and policymakers are sharing vital data to better navigate the complexities of technology and policy to effectively bring connectivity to the people they serve.

Furthermore, bringing connectivity spurs the growth of local expertise. Maintaining and securing the Gabaspot Network requires skills in hardware, software, network operations, and security, creating demand for technical know-how within Gabagaba itself—a vital component for long-term success.

From the initial years of planning to celebrating this now-connected community, the Gabagaba project vividly demonstrates the Internet Society's mission in action: working collaboratively worldwide to ensure the Internet is open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy for everyone.

Way to go Naveed Haq, João Aguiar, Morgan Steinlin, and Adrian Wan on getting this story out!