Internet Connectivity for Development in the Urban Periphery

Internet access has been declared a human right by the United Nations, yet remains unavailable to 4 billion people throughout the world. For the people of Conjunto Palmeiras, Fortaleza, the Internet is restricted due to high prices and limited bandwidth. Banco Palmas, a local organization dedicated towards economic and social development, along with the team of SIPA graduate consultants, worked to create a community driven solution to improve Internet access and community engagement. Based on a benchmarking study of Internet connectivity projects and field research in Conjunto Palmeiras, this report presents a two-year strategic plan for Banco Palmas’ PalmasNet initiative for Internet connectivity in the urban periphery of Fortaleza.