In the third episode of Internet Changemakers, hosts Claire van Zwieten and Noha Ashraf AbdelBaky explore the human stories and technical realities of Internet connectivity with guests Cedrick Mbeyet and Lito Ibarra, often called the “father of the Internet in El Salvador.” Together, they unpack what it really means to be connected—not just as a technological achievement, but as a social and cultural milestone. The discussion spotlights the persistent global challenge of unequal access. For millions, getting online remains a daily struggle—one shaped by geography, economics, and policy. Yet, as Cedrick reminds us, connectivity is more than infrastructure: “Moving from the source to the destination includes so many things that we don’t take into consideration.”

This episode clearly shows how innovation, collaboration, and resilience are helping bridge the digital divide and why connectivity must be seen not only as a technical resource but also as a driver of inclusion, opportunity, and community empowerment.

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The Internet is no longer optional — it’s vital to lives and livelihoods. Yet 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, and it’s being fragmented along national borders, threatening innovation and global progress. Online security fears are rising fast.

The stakes are high. Help bridge the digital divide and defend a global, open Internet for everyone by donating today: https://donorportal.internetsociety.org/page/2025EOY