Heritage artifacts are physically sent to Connected Earth partners and other institutions as appropriate, and are brought together again online through virtual galleries, searchable catalogues and educational resources at its website.
[citation needed] Connected Earth was founded by BT in 2001 and grew from its commitment to the UK's telecommunications heritage.
By working with institutional partners, the network aimed to ensure that the UK's telecommunications heritage should be both accessible and assured for future generations.
Five partners – Amberley, Avoncroft, Goonhilly, Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester and National Museum of Scotland – have hosted dedicated Connected Earth galleries, while others incorporate Connected Earth artefacts into their existing galleries.
Through Connected Earth, artefacts as diverse as Hughes printing telegraph, electrophone table, the tuning coil from Rugby Radio Station, telephone kiosks, the first transatlantic telegraph cable, are preserved and accessible for visitors.