Alliance for Affordable Internet launched

On 07/10/2013, Microsoft joined more than 30 public and private organizations to launch the Alliance for Affordable Internet, a coalition aimed at reducing the cost of broadband access in developing countries. The initiative was announced at an international forum in Abuja, Nigeria, and set a target of making broadband internet affordable at less than 5 percent of average monthly income. The alliance focused on policy reform, infrastructure development, and market competition to lower connectivity costs. The coalition was led by World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee and included technology companies such as Google, Facebook, and Intel, along with government agencies and development organizations from the United States and the United Kingdom. Microsoft’s participation aligned with its broader efforts to expand global connectivity and support access to online services in emerging markets. The group aimed to work with governments to encourage regulatory changes and investment in broadband infrastructure. The Alliance for Affordable Internet emphasized research, advocacy, and partnerships with national policymakers to increase internet adoption. The October 2013 launch marked the start of coordinated efforts to improve affordability and expand broadband availability across underserved regions.