Community Shared Connectivity Theory (CSCT): A Framework for Sustainable Free Internet Access and Digital Inclusion in Underserved Communities

The study will employ a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Community Shared Connectivity Theory (CSCT). The quantitative component will be used to measure the relationships among key variables such as community participation, institutional support, government policy, and levels of internet accessibility and digital inclusion. This will allow for statistical analysis of patterns, correlations, and potential predictive relationships within the proposed theoretical framework. Complementing this, the qualitative component will explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and insights of community members, educators, and local stakeholders regarding shared connectivity systems. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the study will capture contextual and explanatory data that cannot be fully represented through numerical analysis alone. By combining both approaches, the mixed-methods design ensures methodological triangulation, strengthens the validity of findings, and provides a more holistic understanding of how shared internet systems operate and sustain digital inclusion in real-world community settings.