Guyana joins regional push for digital connectivity with satellite partnership

Guyana is among several Caribbean countries that will be partnering with a Spanish satellite operator, to enhance the telecommunications sector, under an initiative aimed at improving digital connectivity for citizens across the region.
In 2022, the European Union signed an agreement to strengthen digital connectivity in the Caribbean, aimed at enhancing telecommunications services across the region, through Spanish satellite operator Hispasat.
This has since led to the launch of Project CONDOSAT (CARISAT) on Thursday, where several Caribbean nations gathered to learn more about this ambitious initiative designed to boost technological advancement.
Hispasat, a Spanish satellite operator and service provider, covers the Americas, Europe, and North Africa from orbital positions, offering telecommunications services.

During the launch event, Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted Guyana’s commitment to fostering more dialogue and collaboration, to drive the growth of the telecommunications sector.
“Our collective mission is to bridge the 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 dialogue, regional collaboration, and advancing technological inclusion for all,” the PM stated.
According to Prime Minister Phillips, as Guyana embarks on this journey, the country stands ready to engage in meaningful partnerships that drive progress and uplift communities through innovation and connectivity.
He noted that the digital divide is a matter of opportunity. Reliable and accessible Internet service is essential for education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. He stated that without it, communities, particularly those in remote and underserved regions, remain at a disadvantage.
Guyana understands this challenge first-hand, and it has made tremendous strides in addressing it as part of an aggressive connectivity agenda undertaken by the PPPC administration since taking office in 2020.
Guided by the ICT Master Plan 2030, the Guyana government has worked to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach all citizens, particularly those in hinterland, remote, and riverine communities.
Since the rollout of the Low Earth Orbit Internet Project in July 2024, Guyana has successfully connected 225 of its targeted 253 communities, which is currently 89% complete.
The government has also worked on bridging high-speed Internet to over 128,000 residents, including all targeted villages in Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 – A project set to be completed by mid-2025
Additionally, through Guyana’s Wi-Fi GY program, free Internet has expanded exponentially, with a total of 1,091 Wi-Fi GY locations across the country.
He added that the Guyana Governments is seeking to introduce this satellite telecommunication service to other regions.
“Guyana embraces the potential of this project and welcomes the opportunity to explore its capacity to further our national and regional goals. The technical committee to be established will serve as the backbone of this initiative, guiding its development with precision and foresight. Its mission will be clear.”
He further added that this committee will also look beyond immediate connectivity concerns. He said that it is expected to explore new opportunities, such as how satellite capabilities can support innovation, how Hispasat’s expertise can help nurture start-ups and new industries, and how regional universities can cultivate a workforce skilled in space technology and digital security.
Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Secretary General, Rodney Taylor, spoke of the potential benefits of this initiative for the region.
“We have Grenada, we have Trinidad and Tobago we have, Barbados (on board) and of course, we’ll be encouraging other member states to participate, to ensure that the region benefits within the context of CARICOM from this very critical project; those satellites, once they’re up, can provide capacity and services that are very badly needed for all of our CARICOM member states so this is why we (CTU) are here in Guyana,” he said.
He remarked that when these satellites come online around 2028, they can in fact supplement submarine technological cables for Guyana and other Caribbean nations.
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 launch of Project CONDOSAT (CARISAT) builds upon these commitments, strengthening our collective efforts to create a more connected and technologically advanced Caribbean.
“It will supplement what we have now in terms of submarine cables and terrestrial fibre that provide us with high-speed internet connectivity. These applications, as I mentioned, along with national security, provide us with communications in the aftermath of a natural disaster..And this is something that occurs annually.
He added, “In the event of hurricanes within the region. In the case of Grenada last year, it left islands in Grenada without communications for several days this gives us the opportunity to address those issues of communications in the face of disaster. And it gives us resilience in that respect so we are pleased to be able to help move this project forward.”