06 November 2019

The Atrato river is the third-largest river in Colombia

Spanish satellite telecommunications operator Hispasat has partnered with Colombian counterpart Bansat to offer satellite connectivity for a humanitarian mission in Colombia.

Organised by the Colombian government, the expedition is transporting humanitarian material and personnel to towns located on the banks of the Atrato, the third-largest river in the South American nation.

It will mean more than 4,000 families will receive kits for students and health and school supplies, as well as medical attention provided by the specialists taking part in the mission.

The members of the expedition, who work for public agencies such as the ministries of defence and health as well as private companies, will need communications in surroundings that have long lacked terrestrial infrastructure.

Satellite technology will help by providing coverage throughout wide footprints and VSAT terminals, which can be quickly installed to offer a high-quality internet connection.

The mission started on September 5th and is expected to continue for a number of weeks. 

Hispasat has had a subsidiary in Colombia since 2013 and has contributed to promoting digital inclusion and development in the country for a number of years, providing connectivity services in more than 700 points in Amazonas, Boyacá, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Quindío, Risaralda and Vaupés.

In addition, the firm has installed Wi-Fi hotspots in remote towns in the departments of Bolívar and Sucre to offer satellite connectivity services which can be accessed on mobile devices by using prepaid passes.