Empowering individuals and communities in remote parts of India to create and manage their own community broadband
%
of people in india do not have internet access
villages in india do not have internet access
%
of schools in india do not have internet access
Press Information Bureau. (2024). Telecom Subscription Data as of March 31, 2024. Government of India.
Ministry of Education. (2022). Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+). Government of India.
We are Muft Internet
#InternetForAll
We are a community of passionate people that have dedicated the last decade towards bringing rural India online for the first time.
We invest our efforts in community broadband and last mile connectivity initiatives.
We believe Internet access is a fundamental human right.
Our mission is to connect every school, village, and individual, unlocking pathways to education, opportunity, and empowerment.
No one should be left behind in information darkness.
The People
Durgesh Ohja
Co-Founder & Technology Lead
Durgesh leads MUFT’s vision with tech innovations, operations and solving complex on-ground socio-technical challenges.
Arpit Kaushal
Director of Operations
Arpit oversees finance, administration, and legal compliance, ensuring smooth operations across all key areas at MUFT.
Nayanikka Das
Community coordinator
Nayanikka documents our impact stories and creates digital literacy and educational content for communities.
Harsh Lodha
Co-Founder & Strategy Lead
Harsh drives MUFT’s vision and strategy, ensuring accountability and results through effective leadership and strategic partnerships.
Shailendra Parmar
Director of Technology
Shailendra leads technology research network architecture at MUFT, driving efficient, scalable and affordable solutions.
Naman Dhakkad
On-ground Technician
Jinesh Parekh
Co-Founder & Research Lead
Jinesh founded Muft Internet and now supports MUFT’s vision with process innovation and special projects that expand the organization’s impact.
Vipul Patel
Digital Solutions Lead
Vipul ensures seamless web development and support, playing a critical role in MUFT’s digital operations and management.
The Approach
Bringing Internet to those who need it the most
We focus on sustainable, affordable last-mile connectivity and community broadband initiatives.
One of the key challenges we face is identifying which remote villages are in data-dark zones. This often requires our team to travel to these isolated areas, where connectivity is unstable or nonexistent. Once on-site, we work closely with local communities to assess and address specific connectivity challenges.
Our process begins with detailed site assessments and technical planning to design cost-effective connectivity solutions. We source equipment, often refurbished, tailored to the unique needs of each location. Wireless installations are carried out under challenging conditions, such as extreme weather, ensuring resilience and reliability.
A key part of our approach is collaborating with local leaders and training local community members. This ensures infrastructure sustainability, affordability, and ongoing maintenance. By fostering these partnerships, we ensure that communities stay connected and manage their network independently.
Our Initiatives
Focused on bridging the rural digital divide
Community Broadband
Empowering local communities to create and manage their own broadband Internet
Last Mile Connectivity
Enabling rural broadband Internet for communities that have been denied service by all telcos
Muft WiFi Hotspot Software
Open Source Captive Portal Software for distribution of public WiFi hotspot management
Micro-distribution of Internet
Turning small shops and vendors into WiFi Internet service provider with Prepaid Vouchers
Active Projects
In the regions of Ladakh and North East India.
Jhamste Gatsal
A rural orphanage’s first digital experience
Hanle Observatory
Internet connectivity at 4500m above sea
Manjushree
A rural orphanage’s first Internet connection
Stok Govt School
A rural Ladakhi school’s first Internet connection
Impact: Stories of Connection and Hope
As we travel to India’s remotest regions, we encounter incredible people, challenges, and moments of progress. Explore our stories to witness how connectivity is changing these landscapes
A Historic Connection: Bringing Internet to India’s Highest Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh
The Unsung Heroes of Ladakh: A Story of Responsibility and Cleanliness
How Free Wi-Fi is Empowering Remote Communities in India: The Sangti Valley Story
The Role of Internet in Improving Education for Children with Special Needs in Remote India
Stok’s Primary School Takes a Digital Leap: Our Journey to Connect the Unconnected
The Only PhD Holder in Turtuk: Dr. Abdul Hameed’s Unwavering Dedication to His Village
Remote Indian Schools and the 2024 Digital Divide Crisis
Through the Binoculars: A Tale of Family, Faith, and the Fight for Connectivity
The Struggles of Men in Rural India: Can Internet Access Be the Lifeline They Need?
We’ve been featured on…
Be a part of the solution!
Together, we can redefine what connectivity means for under-served communities. Whether it’s empowering schools with basic Internet access, hosting a free WiFi zone for enabling last mile connectivity for a remote village – your involvement makes a difference!
How can you help?
Join a community of people passionate towards bringing the remaining 50% of India online. There are many ways to help!
Volunteering
Be a part of the change you wish to see! Join our next road trip as we set out to bring Internet in remote and challenging parts of India.
Request Connectivity
Don’t have Airtel, JIO, BSNL or any possibility to Internet access? Want to bring Internet to your school, town or village?