Colombia is making strides in improving internet access, yet significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Currently, only 28.8% of the rural population is connected, and urban segments with lower purchasing power experience even lower fixed internet penetration, at less than 18% (World Bank, 2024). This disparity is rooted in economic inequality and inadequate infrastructure, which severely limit internet access and digital literacy, exacerbating inequalities in education, job opportunities, and access to essential services.
The digital divide in Colombia not only affects individual lives but also stifles community development. Without reliable internet access, rural communities struggle to participate fully in the digital economy, impacting education, healthcare, and emergency services. To bridge this gap, it is crucial to enhance infrastructure and provide affordable connectivity solutions. Satellite internet presents a promising option for reaching these underserved areas.
Starlink: A New Option for Connectivity
Starlink, which began service in Colombia in February 2023, offers a transformative solution. By utilizing a standard service and a Starlink terminal, users can access high-speed, low-latency internet without the need for extensive infrastructure. Expected download speeds range from 25 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds from 5 to 10 Mbps, all with latency under 99 milliseconds.
Residential users can choose between Starlink Mini and Standard plans, although these options do not include a service level agreement (SLA). For businesses, Starlink’s Performance option provides Priority plans that guarantee a 99.9% SLA, significantly reducing risks associated with downtime. This makes it an attractive choice for enterprises looking to maintain critical operations while supporting local communities.
OneWeb is another key player working to close Colombia’s digital divide. Its satellite internet constellation, supported by a teleport in Cali built and operated by Speedcast, enables high-speed connectivity in remote areas. This infrastructure allows OneWeb to deliver services across Andean and Central American countries, helping bridge the connectivity gap for communities that have historically been left behind.
Speedcast’s partnership with OneWeb ensures robust service offerings, with recent testing reporting average speeds of 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up, boasting lower latency compared to traditional GEO services. OneWeb’s commitment to service level agreements (SLA) and committed information rates (CIR) makes it a reliable option for diverse applications.
Speedcast Ku-band VSAT: A Lifeline for Communities
Speedcast’s Ku-band VSAT network further enhances connectivity throughout Colombia. This extensive coverage provides essential services for both land and maritime applications, ensuring minimum bandwidth availability at all times. The network is particularly valuable during emergencies, as it can support disaster recovery communications even when traditional infrastructure is compromised. By leveraging solar power and battery storage, VSAT and Wi-Fi hotspots can be deployed to help communities reconnect with the outside world, fostering resilience and recovery.
Innovations for the Future
To effectively close the digital divide, innovative solutions are essential. SIGMA combines intelligent network management with cutting-edge applications, revolutionizing how businesses operate while enhancing productivity in underserved areas. As a multipath solution, SIGMA integrates various connectivity options, ensuring reliable and adaptable service tailored to community needs.
Connecting communities to the digital world is not merely about providing internet access; it is about empowering individuals and fostering economic growth. As Colombia continues to navigate its connectivity challenges, exploring diverse options that meet the unique needs of its communities is paramount.
Speak with our experts today to discover how we can support your connectivity goals and make a meaningful impact in bridging Colombia’s digital divide.