Enhanced EU Broadband satellite initiative launched in Guyana

A project aimed at enhancing broadband access and digital satellite communications across Latin America and the Caribbean was launched today in Georgetown.

Project CONDOSAT which is being supported through European satellite provider, Hispasat follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Caribbean Telecommunication Union and the European satellite provider.

The initiative aligns with the Digital Alliance plan of the the European Union – Latin America and Caribbean Foundation and seeks to provide regional alternatives to external digital investments.

During the launch at the European Union (EU) Office in Georgetown, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the roll out of the project is part of CARICOM’s commitment to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean.

“Through this agreement, Hispasat has pledged to expand satellite connectivity across Caribbean Member States, marking a pivotal step towards closing the digital gap and ensuring that all Caribbean citizens, regardless of location, have access to the opportunities of the digital age. Both Hispasat and the CTU share a vision of leveraging satellite technology to empower communities, enhance economic opportunities, and foster greater digital inclusion across the region,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the launch of the project will strengthen the region’s collective efforts to create a more connected and technologically advanced Caribbean.

Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana stands ready to engage in meaningful partnerships that drive progress and uplift communities through innovation and connectivity.

“The digital divide is a matter of opportunity. Reliable and accessible Internet service is essential for education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. Without it, communities, particularly those in remote and underserved regions, remain at a disadvantage. Guyana understands this challenge first-hand. And we have made tremendous strides in addressing it as part of an aggressive connectivity agenda undertaken by the PPP/C administration since taking office in 2020. In our pursuit of a digitally connected and inclusive Guyana, the National Data Management Authority, NDMA, has embarked on an extensive agenda to expand connectivity and modernize service delivery,” he said.

He said guided by its ICT Master Plan 2030, the Government has worked to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach all citizens, particularly those in hinterland and remote and riverine communities.

Head of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Rodney Taylor, said while he does not doubt Guyana’s ability to roll out the project on its own, he is pleased to see the participation of other countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada in the transformative initiative.

“Those satellites once they are up will provide capacity and services that are very badly needed for all of our CARICOM Member States,” he said.

Taylor said he looks forward to other Caribbean countries buying into the initiative.

According to the European Commission, the EU and Spain will be investing €10 million to enhance sovereignty and last-mile connectivity as part of the boarder initiative, ensuring that even remote areas gain access to reliable broadband services.

This financial package is part of a broader Team Europe approach, which includes support from Spain, the European Commission, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) through grants, export credits, loans, and technical assistance.