Cundinamarca Red Digital: Colombia Department Connects Hearts and Homes with $13 Billion Internet Boost
Cundinamarca, Colombia – July 29, 2025 – In a move poised to reshape the digital landscape of the Cundinamarca department, the local government today officially launched “Cundinamarca Red Digital,” a sweeping initiative designed to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable internet access to every corner of the region. This isn’t just about faster downloads; it’s about unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth for all residents.
Fiber, Satellite, and Social Access: A Three-Pronged Approach
The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Secretariat of Digital Transformation, isn’t relying on a single solution. Instead, it’s a carefully orchestrated blend of three complementary strategies: expanding urban fiber optic networks, deploying satellite antennas to reach remote rural areas, and ensuring affordable social access to internet services. The total investment exceeds thirteen billion pesos, a collaborative effort funded by both the departmental government and the national ICT Ministry (Mintic).
Fiber to the Home: Connecting 10,740 Households
The first phase, a partnership with Mintic representing a $30 billion peso investment ($10 billion from Cundinamarca and $20 billion nationally), focuses on bringing cutting-edge fiber optic technology – specifically GPON and FTTH (Fiber to the Home) – to 10,740 homes across ten municipalities. Work is already 55% complete, promising rapid deployment in Cáqueza, Funza, Fusagasugá, Guaduas, Mosquera, Sibaté, Ubaté, Girardot, Zipaquirá, and select areas of Soacha. What’s particularly noteworthy is the commitment to accessibility: strata 1 and 2 households will enjoy four months of free service, followed by heavily subsidized rates of just $15,000 pesos, while stratum 3 residents will benefit from a $27,000 peso monthly fee. This isn’t just connectivity; it’s a lifeline.
Image: A technician installing fiber optic cable in a Cundinamarca neighborhood. (Placeholder Image)
Beyond the Cities: Connecting Public Institutions
Recognizing that connectivity extends beyond individual homes, the second project allocates $3.2 billion pesos to connect 15 public entities per municipality – a total of 96 municipalities – with optical fiber. This includes vital institutions like schools, hospitals, mayoral offices, and other essential government facilities. Imagine the impact on telemedicine, remote learning, and efficient public services! This investment isn’t just about speed; it’s about strengthening the very fabric of Cundinamarca’s public infrastructure.
Reaching the Unreachable: Satellite Internet for Rural Communities
Perhaps the most impactful component is the expansion of satellite internet access to rural areas. Already, 42 satellite antennas have been installed in rural community institutions, each equipped with a Wi-Fi area and powered by a sustainable solar energy system. The plan is to scale this up to 300 antennas, bringing the benefits of the digital world to communities previously left behind. This is a game-changer for rural education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
A Vision for a Digitally Equitable Future
“Cundinamarca Red Digital” isn’t simply a technological upgrade; it’s a cornerstone of the department’s broader development plan, “governing: more than a plan.” The initiative aims to transform Cundinamarca into a digitally equitable territory, where internet access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right. This commitment to digital inclusion reflects a growing global trend, recognizing that access to the internet is essential for participation in the 21st-century economy and society. The long-term implications are profound, potentially attracting investment, fostering innovation, and empowering citizens across the department.
As Cundinamarca embarks on this ambitious journey, it sets a powerful example for other regions striving to bridge the digital divide. The success of “Cundinamarca Red Digital” will undoubtedly be closely watched, offering valuable lessons for policymakers and communities around the world. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this groundbreaking initiative and its impact on the lives of Cundinamarca’s residents.
