The Government of Paraguay announced on Monday a partnership with Starlink to distribute 1,600 high-speed internet connectivity kits to rural schools, health centers, and remote communities across the country. The initiative aims to benefit more than 50,000 students and teachers, expanding internet access in regions historically underserved by this service.
The official presentation of the kits took place at the Palacio de López in Asunción, with the presence of President Santiago Peña, Ministers Luis Ramírez (Education), Gustavo Villate (Information and Communication Technologies), and Rodrigo Nicora (Justice), as well as Juan David Vélez, Starlink’s Government Sales Manager. The project is part of a coordinated strategy between the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), Paraguay's state-owned telecom company (Copaco), and the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), aiming to reduce the digital divide in the country.
President Peña emphasized that the program goes beyond technology, seeking to ensure that one’s birthplace does not determine learning and development opportunities. “This is not just about antennas or technology. It’s about equalizing opportunities. So that a child from a remote community has the same chances to learn as any child in the world,” he said.
Minister Gustavo Villate highlighted that the partnership with Starlink is part of the government’s efforts to close the digital gap, protect digital sovereignty, and position Paraguay as a provider of high-value digital services. He recalled that at the start of the current administration, a license was granted for Starlink’s operation in the country, expanding connection options in remote areas. Additionally, Copaco has already formed a strategic alliance with the company, enabling more than 100 connections in isolated communities.
Recently, the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) authorized the experimental use of frequencies in the W and A bands for Starlink, which will result in a significant speed increase for the thousands of users already connected in Paraguay. “This is a direct improvement in service quality for citizens,” Villate emphasized.
Juan David Vélez from Starlink pointed out that the company, a SpaceX subsidiary, offers the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, capable of providing broadband internet for streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and other applications. “Our mission is to reduce the digital divide, and after five years, we have made huge progress by rapidly expanding high-speed internet access in places where it was historically unreliable, inaccessible, or nonexistent. Currently, Starlink connects more than 12 million customers in over 160 countries,” he stated.
During the event, Justice Minister Rodrigo Nicora announced an agreement with Copaco for the metal structures needed for the antennas to be manufactured by incarcerated individuals. “Each support produced will be a concrete demonstration that these people can contribute to society when given the opportunity,” Nicora said.
The program has already installed the first 100 kits in institutions in the Western Region, with an initial goal of connecting 500 priority locations before expanding to other selected sites. The project aims to positively impact the most vulnerable areas, facilitating access to education, health, and electronic services, as well as promoting digital inclusion throughout the national territory.