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Central Asian WikiCon 2025/Submissions/Internet-in-a-Box: Bringing Wikipedia to Offline Communities

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ID : 10 Internet-in-a-Box: Bringing Wikipedia to Offline Communities
Author(s): Suyash Dwivedi Username(s): Suyash Dwivedi Type of submission: Lightning talk
Affiliation: Wiki Project Med Foundation, Hardware Tools Supporting Wikimedia Projects Theme(s): Digital Inclusion, Open Knowledge
Abstract:

Internet-in-a-Box (IIAB) is an effort to provide Wikipedia, MDWiki, and other freely available content via physical media. It is designed for distribution in areas where internet access is limited, expensive, or controlled. The device includes software that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to 32 users within a range of a few hundred meters to connect and access locally stored content, including Wikipedia slices, medical knowledge, educational videos, and books.

This session will explore the practical applications of IIAB, including its use in public places such as schools, libraries, and community centers. The discussion will also cover the technical and logistical challenges of deploying IIAB in different regions.

While internet access has improved in many countries, including India, cost remains a barrier for some communities. IIAB is a cost-effective solution that can provide essential educational and medical content to underserved populations. Since 2017, Wiki Project Med Foundation has been developing and distributing these devices worldwide. This talk will provide an update on the project and offer insights on how individuals and organizations can contribute to this initiative.

Slides: Google Slides
Level of advancement: * Increased understanding of how IIAB can benefit offline communities.
  • Potential new contributors to the Wiki Project Med Foundation and Wikimedia offline initiatives.
  • Strengthening Wikimedia’s role in providing accessible educational resources in Central Asia.
Special requirements: Projector and stable power supply for demonstration.
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region of Central Asia?
  • Provide a localized and offline solution for accessing Wikipedia and medical knowledge.
  • Support education and community awareness in regions with limited internet access.
  • Encourage collaboration among Wikimedians and local organizations to distribute IIAB.
  • Raise awareness about open knowledge and the role of Wikimedia projects in bridging digital divides.

Interested participants

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