11 April 2022

Peru launched the third phase of the Conecta Selva (connect the jungle) program, which aims to digitally connect via satellite some 200,000 people in 1,034 localities.

The communications undersecretary at the transport and communications ministry, Fredy Tito Chura, along with Daniel Lizárraga López, the executive director of national telecommunications program Pronatel, launched the initiative in Amazonas, where 35 public institutions will be connected, including schools and medical posts.

“We are fulfilling our commitment to bridge the digital gap in areas where data service and digital interconnection will be accessed for the first time to be connected to the world,” Tito Chura said.

Under the initiative, 21 locations in Amazonas have already been connected, benefiting 9,560 citizens. The public entities will be able to count on connection speeds of 10Mbps for download and 2Mbps for upload.

The objective, which targets the Loreto, Ucayali, Amazonas and Madre de Dios regions, involves a total of 1,316 public institutions (1,212 educational institutions and 104 health centres).

According to Pronatel, there are 952 schools and 81 health centres in 798 locations with the service already operational.

Argentina’s Telespazio won the contract to operate the connections.