Bridging the Digital Divide: SES and Telebras Collaborate to Connect Brazil’s Remote Communities
Over 1,500 remote sites across Brazil’s Northern Region are now connected thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between SES, a leading satellite provider, and Telebras, Brazil’s state-owned telecommunications company. This initiative is part of the country’s Electronic Government Program – Citizen Assistance Service (GESAC) which aims to bridge the digital divide and bring vital digital services to historically underserved communities.
A Satellite Solution for Connectivity
The collaboration leverages SES’s high-throughput SES-17 Ka-band satellite to deliver its Managed Enterprise solution. This advanced system teams up satellite technology with a robust network of gateways, ensuring seamless connectivity for public institutions, schools, libraries, telecenters, health units, indigenous villages, and rural settlements.
A Network Up and Running
Since April 2024, these previously unconnected areas have enjoyed access to the internet. SES operates and maintains the network, supported by a newly established gateway in Hortolandia, Brazil. SES-17’s geostationary orbit provides continuous coverage over Brazil and the entirety of Latin America, making it the ideal solution for reaching remote, geographically dispersed communities.
Empowering Communities Through Digital Inclusion
“Telebras has extensive experience in digital inclusion, and we have long been an ally of remote and underserved communities by bringing information and communication technologies that promote digital access and progress,” said Frederico Siqueira, President of Telebras. ”As part of this project, we will do much more because digital inclusion enhances access to citizenship.”
“SES is a great partner that shares our commitment to bridging the digital divide across Brazil, and with its Managed Enterprise solution via SES-17 satellite and the ability to reach remote areas across the entire country, we will continue to provide life-changing internet access to many,” Siqueira added.
Addressing Digital Inequity in Brazil
While Brazil has made strides in expanding internet access, a significant digital divide persists in many rural and low-density population areas. “Brazil has made significant progress in recent years in improving the population’s access to the Internet, but there’s still room for improvement on the reach and quality of the services covering some low-density population areas in the country,” explained Omar Trujillo, Vice President of Enterprise Americas at SES.
“We are delighted to support Telebras as part of the GESAC Program and at the same time contribute to the social advancement of communities that historically had little or no connectivity. Through a combination of our cutting-edge ground system technology, advanced satellite capabilities, and service lifecycle expertise, our Managed Enterprise via SES-17 service provides the throughput, high performance and flexibility required to connect underserved and isolated places across Brazil and throughout the Americas region with minimal initial capital expenditures. Satellite-enabled solutions play a fundamental role in reducing the digital divide especially for those areas and communities.”
A Wider Push for Digital Inclusion
GESAC, coordinated by the Ministry of Communications (MCom), has been a driving force in closing Brazil’s digital divide since its inception in 2002. The program boasts over 15,000 free internet access points nationwide, connecting communities to essential online resources and services. This latest collaboration builds upon GESAC’s legacy, leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower localities that once lacked digital connectivity.
These new internet connections are expected to transform life in these communities. They will offer access to educational resources, telehealth services, online business tools, and a wealth of information previously out of reach. The initiative exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors in leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive progress.
How does this project aim to empower communities in sectors like education, healthcare, and economy?
Title: Bridging Brazil’s Digital Divide: A Conversation with Telebras President
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a truly exciting initiative that’s bringing much-needed internet connectivity to some of Brazil’s most remote communities. Joining us is Frederico Siqueira, President of Telebras, the state-owned telecom company spearheading this project. Frederico, thank you for being with us.
**Frederico Siqueira**: It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host**: Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us more about this collaboration with SES and what it means for Brazil’s Northern region?
**Frederico Siqueira**: Absolutely. We’ve partnered with SES, a leading satellite provider, to connect over 1,500 sites in the Northern Region – schools, health clinics, indigenous villages, and even rural settlements that were previously offline. This is a game-changer for these communities.
**Host**: How is this achieved?
**Frederico Siqueira**: We’re leveraging SES’s high-throughput SES-17 satellite. Its coverage extends across all of Brazil and Latin America, making it ideal for reaching even the most remote locations.
**Host**: So, this isn’t just about internet access; it’s about transforming lives. How will this impact these communities?
**Frederico Siqueira**: Precisely! Digital inclusion is about empowering people. It opens doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and civic participation. Imagine children accessing online education resources, farmers getting real-time market information, or communities accessing telehealth services. These are life-changing possibilities.
**Host**: This project is part of Brazil’s Electronic Government Program – Citizen Assistance Service (GESAC). Can you elaborate on its broader goals?
**Frederico Siqueira**: GESAC is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Brazilians have access to vital digital services. This partnership with SES is a significant step in that direction. [[1](https://blogs.worldbank.org/pt/digital-development/bridging-brazil-s-digital-divide–how-internet-inequality-mirror)
**Host**: It’s inspiring to see these initiatives. What message do you have for those who might be skeptical about the impact of connectivity in remote areas?
**Frederico Siqueira**: I invite them to witness the transformation firsthand. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about giving people a voice, a chance, a future. Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right.
**Host**: Thank you so much, Frederico Siqueira, for sharing this compelling story. It’s truly a testament to the power of collaboration and technology to create a more equitable future for all Brazilians.
