Authors: Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay, Dr. Albert Teo, and Jay Bertram Lacsamana
ABOUT THE REPORT
This paper shares the results of a case study research project pursued by the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA) in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Rhizomatica under the Local Networks (LocNet) Initiative. It is part of a bigger initiative to undertake A Comparative Study of the Financial Sustainability and Socioeconomic Impacts of Alternative Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Business Models and Technologies. The LocNet initiative is financially supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and UK International Development from the UK Government through its Digital Access Programme (DAP). This case research project was additionally supported by the Internet Society.
INTRODUCTION
Community-centered connectivity initiatives (CCCIs) are social enterprises (SEs) within the digital economy. They are not merely internet service providers—they are mission-driven enterprises that prioritize purpose over profit, delivering meaningful connectivity to underserved populations. By combining sustainable business models with a focus on social impact, CCCIs empower marginalized communities to access, govern, and utilize digital resources, promoting economic inclusion and social transformation.
These initiatives reflect global trends in social entrepreneurship. The Global State of Social Enterprise Report (WEF, 2024), highlights that social enterprises collectively generate $2 trillion in annual revenue, create 200 million jobs worldwide, and actively contribute to all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite their transformative potential, social enterprises, including CCCIs, continue to face challenges related to recognition, financing, and scalability, underscoring the need for stronger policy support and targeted investment.
Recognizing the importance of measuring their impact, the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Rhizomatica conducted a case study research on CCCIs across Asia and Africa. The study aimed to articulate the social impact of CCCIs and demonstrate their cost-effectiveness as innovative solutions for bridging the digital divide. Its findings contribute to the CCCIs’ community of practice by introducing adapted social enterprise frameworks and impact measurement tools suited to their unique context.