The small community of Reparto La Virgen Nueva lies at kilometer 111 on the León-Chinandega highway in Nicaragua. Its inhabitants, mostly agricultural and domestic workers, face limited mobile Internet access, characterized by restrictive data plans and poor coverage. There’s no fiber Internet option and it’s a 20-kilometer commute to León by bus to access the nearest computer and Internet facilities.
In August 2024, the Internet Society Nicaragua Chapter bridged this digital divide. Supported by an Internet Society Foundation Beyond the Net Small Grant, the chapter opened the community’s first ever Digital Community Center. Having suffered limited access to technology and digital resources for years, the community now has a strong and stable Internet connection that everyone can take advantage of.
The Internet in Nicaragua—Fast Facts
• Population (2023): 6,823,613
• Percentage of population using the Internet: 61%
• Internet Resilience Index score: 33%
• Internet Shutdowns in the last 12 months: none
• Active Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs): 33
• Transit provider diversity score: poor
• Retail Internet service provider diversity score: poor
• Internet freedom score: partly free
Learn more about the Internet environment in Nicaragua in the Pulse Country Report.
New Learning Opportunities
The center has quickly become a focal point for students. With access to computers and the Internet, young people now have the tools they need to complete school assignments, conduct research, and explore new learning opportunities. The center’s resources have enabled them to access information that was previously out of reach, ensuring that they are more engaged in their enducation and empowering them to excel in their studies.
The center also fosters digital literacy and skills that can open doors to future job opportunities for the entire community.
Chapter in Action
The Internet Society Nicaragua chapter’s team installed computers, a printer, and a functional network system, connecting via a point-to-point wireless link to a provider located in another community 10 kilometers away. The team also conducted training sessions for the center’s administrators, ensuring they could operate and maintain the equipment independently, safeguarding the autonomy, sustainability, and long-term impact of the project.
Continuous Innovation
The success of the Digital Community Center has inspired further innovation within the community. Recognizing the demand for school supplies among the students using the center, a mini library and school supply shop has already been set up.
“The supply shop provides students with essential materials such as notebooks, pens, and textbooks, and reduces the need for them to travel long distances to purchase school supplies, saving time and resources,” says Carlos Leal, chapter board member and project lead. “The center has also fostered a stronger sense of community and pride, serving as a gathering place for young minds eager to learn and grow.”
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Header Image © Austin Curtis on Unsplash
Other Images © Internet Society Nicaragua Chapter