The IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB), formerly the IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC), inspires and empowers IEEE volunteers around the world carrying out and supporting impactful humanitarian technology activities at the local level. The IEEE HTB mission is to support impactful and ethically informed volunteer-led initiatives, programs and projects, and mutually beneficial partnerships, as well as to inform policy formulation that harness technology and innovation to address societal challenges (including disaster recovery) in a responsive, effective, and sustainable way. 

In conjunction with the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), HTB will administer a Call for Proposals for ComSoc Internet for All projects.

The “Digital Divide” is the gap between those able to benefit from the digital age and those who do not. The absence of connectivity is not merely a technological barrier1, but one that affects access to healthcare, education, social services, work, and participation in the global and local economies.

The power of connectivity lies within the expertise found in our membership. As communications engineers, we can help to solve this situation.

Projects must have a connection to the local IEEE Section and ComSoc chapter and engage a significant number of IEEE ComSoc members. HTB and ComSoc require that teams have relevant technical and other expertise to credibly execute the project.  “Significant” will depend on the scope of the project. Project teams should make a concerted effort to involve as many IEEE members as appropriate for the project.

1. Teams from around the world will submit project proposals identifying a locality where internet connectivity is needed, and how local ComSoc members and peers will create, plan, and implement the connectivity.
2. The Internet for All reviewers will select 2 projects from each Region to be implemented. Regions are defined as:
   1. North America 
   2. Europe, Middle East, Africa
   3. Latin America
   4. Asia Pacific
3. Each selected  project will receive up to US$12,000 to implement and sustain the project.
4. Teams will train local partners to maintain and sustain the project.

• Applications may be submitted starting 13 March 2023. We encourage applicants to submit their proposals as soon as they can. 
• Final deadline to submit a proposal: 12 April 2023 at 11:59pm EDT.

For more details, instructions, and the complete Call for Proposals, please visit the IEEE ComSoc website.