High-speed Internet & Guyana’s hinterland communities

The recent milestone achieved by Guyana’s Office of the Prime Minister in bringing high-speed Internet to more than 106,000 hinterland residents through the Lower Earth Orbiting (LEO) Satellite Connectivity Project marks a critical turning point for the nation’s social and economic landscape. By connecting 169 of 253 targeted communities, this initiative has reached a 67% completion rate, with significant coverage in some of the country’s most remote areas, including Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Not only does this project represent a technological leap forward, but it is a tangible step towards inclusive development and a testimony to Guyana’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
The high-speed Internet initiative exemplifies an effort to make modern connectivity accessible to all, particularly to residents in remote and underserved areas who have long been excluded from the digital sphere. This project redefines digital inclusion, providing Guyana’s hinterland communities with tools that can greatly enhance the quality of life and promote economic opportunities. In Region Nine alone, for example, over 29,000 residents across North, Central, and South Rupununi now enjoy reliable Internet access – a transformation that unlocks numerous possibilities for education, health care, and entrepreneurship in the region. Similarly, more than 7100 persons in Region Two and over 5500 in Region Ten have seen their connectivity needs met, with the strategic expansion of the LEO satellite network improving access across six regions to date.
This achievement is more than a matter of convenience or luxury; it addresses fundamental necessities. Prime Minister Mark Phillips aptly underscored the significance of this project, noting, “Access to the Internet is no longer a luxury but a fundamental tool for education, healthcare, and economic development.” Internet connectivity provides an indispensable platform for e-learning, which has become especially critical in the wake of the global pandemic. With schools in many rural areas often under-resourced, online educational content can fill the gap, giving children in remote communities the same opportunities for knowledge and growth as their urban counterparts. Additionally, the new telemedicine capabilities enabled by high-speed Internet will allow hinterland residents to consult with medical professionals without the logistical and financial burdens of travelling long distances to urban centres.
The economic impact is equally significant. Through internet access, residents can now explore entrepreneurship opportunities that were previously out of reach. The development of digital skills and the ability to engage in e-commerce will empower these communities to become more self-sufficient and financially resilient. Furthermore, by establishing a network of 115 upgraded ICT hubs under the Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities Initiative, the Government has provided a shared space for business training, technology-based learning, and access to online markets and resources. This is a crucial step towards reducing poverty and creating sustainable economic growth.
Moreover, the National Data Management Authority’s approach to implementation – especially in complex areas such as Moruca, where the project has achieved a 77% connectivity rate – highlights the effectiveness of a tailored, community-based strategy. Working closely with local leaders, the NDMA has successfully addressed unique challenges posed by each location, whether it be a lack of suitable infrastructure or inconsistent electricity supply. The upgrades to existing ICT hubs have amplified the value of previous investments in digital infrastructure, demonstrating how the Government has taken a holistic view of digital transformation, rather than focusing on connectivity alone.
The LEO Satellite Connectivity Project is a noteworthy step forward in empowering the marginalised populations of Guyana, yet challenges remain in reaching the remaining 84 communities. The Government’s statement acknowledged these obstacles, citing infrastructure limitations and logistical challenges. To ensure no community is left behind, ongoing collaboration with community leaders and continued infrastructure development will be key to overcoming these hurdles. Addressing such gaps will likely involve further partnerships, possibly with Private Sector stakeholders or international development organisations, to expedite the deployment of power solutions and building adaptations where necessary.
The broader picture reveals a path towards a digitally-inclusive society, where every citizen can participate fully in the digital age. Digital inclusion initiatives like this have the power to mitigate inequalities and foster a sense of community belonging and unity in even the most remote regions of the country. In a nation where geographic isolation has historically limited opportunities, the LEO Satellite Connectivity Project demonstrates a new era of connectivity.
This project, in sum, is more than a mere infrastructure development. By connecting the hinterland, Guyana is closing the digital divide and enabling all citizens to take part in the country’s development journey.