The Ministry of Telecommunications confirmed that the multinational will bring broadband internet to rural and remote territories of the country. Operations will begin in the Galapagos in April.
The Starlink company, part of Elon Musk ‘s Space X conglomerate, begins its operations in Ecuador. This multinational will activate its satellite communications network that will provide broadband internet service in rural and remote areas.
The Ministry of Telecommunications coordinated the activation of the system, which will be implemented first in the Galapagos Islands, for residents and as well as for tourists visiting the region, from April 1.
Minister Vianna Maino pointed out that the presence of Starlink demonstrates Ecuador’s commitment to attract investment in the telecommunications sector, which, in turn, allows the reduction of the digital divide in peripheral and difficult-to-access areas.
According to the Ministry, in 2022 there was an investment in infrastructure of USD 900 million in the sector, contributed by the private sector. In addition, between December 2022 and February 2023, laws such as Fintech and Digital Transformation were approved.
Starlink has around 3,558 active satellites that are in low Earth orbit, which makes it possible to upload and return the signal almost instantaneously to offer high-speed, low-latency Internet, ideal for covering remote territories.
As the company increases the operation of the satellites, coverage will be opened in more provinces.