New Spanish satellite telecoms operator launched in Guyana to enhance digital connectivity

Mar 14, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- A new Spanish satellite telecommunications project, CONDOSAT (CARISAT), was officially launched in Guyana on Thursday, with the aim of enhancing connectivity across the country’s hinterland regions.

New Spanish satellite telecoms operator launched in Guyana to enhance digital connectivity

(from left to right) Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, Rodney Taylor; Prime Minister Mark Phillips; and European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes

The launch comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Spanish satellite operator, HISPASAT. The MoU was signed on February 20, 2025, in Barbados during a meeting between President Irfaan Ali and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, held alongside the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

The MoU’s goal is to bridge the digital divide within the Caribbean, including Guyana, by expanding satellite connectivity across CARICOM member states. HISPASAT is leading the initiative to provide high-tech satellite infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity in the region.

The launch took place at the residence of European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes, in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown. In attendance were Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, Rodney Taylor, Non-Resident Spanish Ambassador to Guyana Cristina Perez, and HISPASAT President, Pedro Duque.

In his address, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the significance of the new satellite initiative in improving digital connectivity within Guyana and throughout the Caribbean. He stated, “This initiative represents a moment, a monumental milestone that is our collective mission to bridge digital divide and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean. Guyana has long established the transformative potential of satellite technology in reaching underserved communities, and we remain fully committed to open dialog, regional collaboration and advancing technological inclusion.”

Phillips further noted that the satellite service provided by HISPASAT is a leading telecommunications solution, with coverage across the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. He highlighted the agreement’s pledge to expand satellite connectivity across CARICOM, stating, “This is 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 region.”

The Prime Minister also detailed the progress of Guyana’s national connectivity initiatives. He highlighted the efforts of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), which has been working to expand connectivity and modernize service delivery in line with the government’s ICT Plan 2030. Notably, the low orbit Internet Project, launched in July 2024, has connected 225 out of 253 targeted communities, providing high-speed internet access to over 128,000 residents in regions 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9. Prime Minister Phillips assured that the project would be completed by mid-2025. “That is 89% completed,” he said.

Minister Phillips also outlined further progress in Guyana’s connectivity, citing the expansion of the WiFi Gy programme, which has increased the number of free internet locations to 1,091 across the country. He added that inland bandwidth had improved 300-fold since 2020. Additionally, the fiber optic network has grown significantly, expanding from 187 kilometers in 2020 to 700 kilometers by 2024, covering six administrative regions. He stated that such infrastructure aims to help improve service delivery to key government institutions such as schools, health centers, and police stations.

By the end of 2025, Phillips noted, the remaining 38 communities would receive connectivity along with training and digital literacy initiatives targeting youth, women, and indigenous populations. Furthermore, the government aims to enhance e-government services and support ICT-based entrepreneurship through micro grants and business development initiatives.

(New Spanish satellite telecoms operator launched in Guyana to enhance digital connectivity)

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CONDOSAT, European Commission, Memorandum of Understanding, President Irfaan Ali, Spanish satellite, Ursula von der Leyen

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