MTC promoted closing gaps in digital connectivity in the country

By MTC

Machine translation

In 2024, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has made significant progress in the telecommunications sector, consolidating a path towards the digital transformation of Peru. Through strategic projects and public-private partnerships, millions of Peruvians have access to connectivity services for the first time, thereby reducing social gaps and promoting opportunities for comprehensive development.

Deputy Minister of Communications Carla Sosa Vela underlined the importance of these achievements: “In 2024, we have shown that connectivity is not just a service, but a tool for change. From schools to health centres, each connection represents a step towards a country where everyone has access to better opportunities.”

One of the major milestones of the year was the connection of 3,282 locations with 4G mobile services thanks to the allocation of the AWS-3 and 2.3 GHz bands. This advance benefited more than 908,221 Peruvians in the 24 regions of the country, marking a before and after in access to technology.

In parallel, the Regional Broadband Project in Junín was launched, which with an investment of S/ 329.16 million, connected 353 population centers and 558 public institutions, benefiting more than 251,770 citizens. This project strengthens access to essential services such as education, health and security.

Education also received a key boost with the delivery of 29,150 tablets to students in Lambayeque, Apurímac and Ayacucho. These technological tools, intended for 1,276 educational institutions, aim to strengthen students' digital capabilities and promote innovative teaching in rural areas.

The Coverage Fee mechanism consolidated another significant achievement, bringing high-speed 4G mobile services to 230 rural locations, benefiting 51,000 citizens. With the commitments made in 2024, this mechanism will allow 425 additional locations to be connected in the first half of 2025, impacting more than 68,000 people.

The update of the rates for the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network (RDNFO) carrier service has allowed for an increase in connection capacity by 26,484 Gbps, improving Internet access in 201 districts with limited coverage. In parallel, the viability of three investment projects in Loreto and Madre de Dios ensures quality fixed Internet access for 97,000 inhabitants of the jungle, marking a decisive step in digital inclusion in remote areas.

Likewise, for the Amazonas region, the Broadband Project was expanded, which will result in the connection of 35 additional rural population centers, benefiting 8,064 citizens. With an investment of S/61.5 million, this effort will include WiFi zones in public squares and will strengthen the technological capabilities of educational and health institutions.

In terms of security, the MTC awarded the Emergency Management and Response System (SAGE), with an investment of S/7.7 million, which will strengthen the response capacity in Lima and Callao, paving the way for the upcoming implementation of the 911 platform.

A firm step towards the future was also taken with Legislative Decree No. 1627, which will allow the allocation of spectrum for mobile services with 5G technology and above, under investment commitments to boost 4G services in rural areas. The call for this allocation will be made in the first quarter of 2025, and its allocation is planned for the second quarter, thus ensuring a concrete and transformative impact in the country.

Finally, in its effort to ensure proper use of the radio spectrum, 127 precautionary measures were executed and 367 unauthorized telecommunications equipment were seized in nine regions of the country, ensuring the quality of service and protecting the rights of users.

The progress achieved in 2024 is the result of innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors and society. Each step taken in improving connectivity is a reflection of the MTC's firm commitment to connecting the unconnected, bringing access to technology to those who need it most.