From Everest to Maldives: The Story of Community Networks in Remote Areas

Mohammad Kawsar Uddin

Naveed Haq is the Senior Director of Infrastructure and Connectivity at the Internet Society (ISOC), with a primary focus on the Asia-Pacific region. With a deep passion for building networks and connecting the unconnected, he has collaborated with diverse communities on a wide range of initiatives. His expertise spans Internet technology, policy, and regulation, and his work is guided by a belief in the power of inclusion, collaboration, and a truly open Internet.

In this exclusive interview, Naveed spoke about the ISOC’s ambitious efforts to bridge the digital divide through community-led initiatives, from establishing the world’s highest community network near Mount Everest to bringing connectivity to remote Pacific islands.

Question: You’ve worked extensively across Asia-Pacific to improve infrastructure and connectivity. What have been some of the most rewarding or challenging experiences in that journey?

Naveed Haq: Establishing internet access in underserved or hard-to-reach areas requires passion and creativity. Often, the most challenging projects become the most rewarding—especially when they’re built with the support and ownership of the community. There have been many such experiences over the years, but three stand out.

One of them is the Everest Community Network in Nepal. Working with the Nepal Internet Foundation and the local Sherpa community, we helped establish the highest community network in the world. The villages of Khunde and Khumjung, just 10.3 kilometers from the Everest Basecamp, now have fiber-based internet serving more than 1,500 Sherpas. This project opened up new opportunities in these remote Himalayan regions.You can read more about it at https://www.internetsociety.org/issues/community-networks/success-stories/nepal/

Another highlight is the Maldives Internet Exchange Point (MVIX). It began with informal discussions among a group of local ISPs who reached out to us and APNIC. We supported them with planning, training, design, and deployment of the country’s first IXP. Despite being in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives now benefits from local peering, making the nation’s internet more resilient and efficient.You can read more about it at https://pulse.internetsociety.org/blog/peering-in-the-middle-of-the-indian-ocean-maldives-ixp-boosts-nations-internet-resilience

A third example is the Gabaspot Community Wi-Fi in Papua New Guinea. In partnership with NICTA, the ICT regulator, and using Universal Access Funds, we supported the launch of a community-managed network in the rural village of Gabagaba. This initiative now provides reliable internet access to around 5,000 people, supporting nearby schools, improving digital literacy, and opening new avenues for education, farming, and employment. Each of these projects illustrates the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of localized efforts in bridging the digital divide.

Please watch to know more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfP83OwnN-I

Question: As Senior Director of Infrastructure and Connectivity, what are your current priorities or focus areas?

Naveed Haq: Our work is aligned with the Internet Society’s 2030 Strategy, which emphasizes the internet as a force for good. Over the next five years, we aim to improve lives through better access to affordable, reliable, and resilient internet. My focus includes helping establish Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which increase network resilience and keep businesses online, as well as community-based connectivity projects that open up new opportunities in underserved areas.

Our IXP efforts are currently concentrated on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). When it comes to community connectivity, we’re prioritizing projects that support indigenous peoples, displaced populations, and women-led social enterprises. The goal is to support models that work at the local level and are sustainable in the long run.

Question: How do you measure the real-world impact of infrastructure projects aimed at connecting the unconnected?

Naveed Haq: We look at both qualitative and quantitative indicators. Success isn’t just about how many people are connected, but also how connectivity changes their lives. The stories that come from the communities we work with show how community-led networks help bridge the digital divide in meaningful, lasting ways. These are networks built by the people, for the people-and their impact can be seen in education, employment, health, and more. We encourage people to read some of these stories on our website to truly understand the transformative power of community-centered connectivity.

Please watch to know more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfP83OwnN-I

Question: What emerging technologies do you see playing a key role in bridging the digital divide over the next decade?

Naveed Haq: I believe developments in spectrum management will create new opportunities. Technologies like dynamic spectrum sharing in TV white spaces and advancements like Wi-Fi 6 are great examples. We’re also watching the progress of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, which could offer affordable and reliable solutions for areas that are extremely difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure. These technologies, combined with community-focused approaches, can play a major role in bridging the divide.

Question: How do policy and regulation either accelerate or hinder connectivity efforts in developing regions?

Naveed Haq: For millions still unconnected, traditional networks often don’t reach them. Without coordinated action, the digital divide will persist for decades. Policymakers have a critical role in creating an enabling environment. Often, it’s policy or market failures that keep communities disconnected. To close the gap, we need regulations that support all kinds of connectivity models.

For example, imagine a small village of fewer than 2,000 people receiving seed funding and training to build its own network. With proper support, the community can operate it as a social enterprise, charging minimal fees to stay sustainable while delivering transformative benefits. Unfortunately, smaller operators often can’t compete with telecom giants, and that’s where policy support can make the difference. We work with governments and regulators to advocate for inclusive, flexible policies that support these community-based solutions. With the right support, these communities can succeed where large telecoms would never invest.

You can read about them at https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/advancing-community-connectivity/

Question: You’ve worked with diverse communities and cultures. What strategies have helped you build effective, inclusive collaborations?

Naveed Haq: Listening is key. The more time you spend listening and learning about a community’s culture and needs, the better your chances of success. These projects, whether they involve IXPs or community Wi-Fi networks, must be led and owned by the community to be sustainable.

Different communities have different requirements, and a solution that works in one place may not be suitable elsewhere. By focusing on local relevance and building trust, participation grows organically. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach-true inclusion starts with empathy and collaboration.

Question: You’ve often spoken about your passion for an open and inclusive Internet. What does a truly open Internet look like to you in practice?

Naveed Haq: A truly open Internet is one where people can freely connect, communicate, and create. It’s a space for expression, education, commerce, and connection-where everyone, regardless of location or background, has the same ability to access and use it. We work to ensure that the Internet remains secure, trustworthy, and global, while also helping users make informed, safe choices online.

However, this openness is under threat. Policies and decisions by governments or corporations can fragment the Internet into isolated and restricted networks. The more we move away from interoperability, accessibility, and openness, the more we lose the essence of what makes the Internet powerful. We must protect the Internet from such fragmentation and ensure it remains a universal platform for opportunity.

Question: What role do local communities and grassroots organizations play in shaping digital inclusion efforts?

Naveed Haq: They are absolutely central to success. Local technical communities-such as Network Operator Groups (NOGs) and ISP associations-play key roles in building and maintaining infrastructure like IXPs. When it comes to community-centered connectivity, nearly every project we’ve worked on has been led by a local organization.

In Africa, for example, some grassroots initiatives have grown into widely recognized community networks. Have a look at https://aheri.net/. With the right policy environment, social enterprises can expand their impact, manage networks effectively, and create new revenue models while addressing the digital divide. These organizations often understand the local context better than anyone and are best positioned to implement solutions that work.

Question: What inspired your journey into Internet infrastructure and policy in the first place?

Naveed Haq: I grew up in a rural village in Pakistan where, during the 1980s, the Internet didn’t exist. It wasn’t until the late 1990s, during my university studies, that my father bought me a computer. We had to buy prepaid cards for internet access-$4 for 30 minutes. The connection speed was 40 kbps, and it could take four minutes just to load a single page. But even that experience was eye-opening. It showed me what was possible.

Later, I had the opportunity to work at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for a decade, which helped me build my knowledge of policy and regulation. In 2013, I joined the Internet Society. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to continue this work-supporting infrastructure projects, advising on policy, and collaborating with communities to bring meaningful connectivity to those who need it most.

Question: How can the Internet Society help build the capacity of members regarding technological and policy issues?

Naveed Haq: Our members and chapters are at the heart of our mission. They organize local campaigns, host events, contribute to global advocacy, and take action in their communities. To support them, we offer courses and resources that help members build expertise in both technical and policy areas.

We also create opportunities for members to connect with like-minded individuals around the world. If you believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, deserves a life full of opportunity, we welcome you to join us. Become a member join us https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/.