The first 18 of a planned 500 internet access points are now operational in the Chaco. Installations have taken place in Presidente Hayes and Boquerón, both over 250 kilometres from Asunción. Priority was given to schools and health centres with no previous internet access. The project is the result of a partnership between the Paraguayan Communications Company Public Limited Company (COPACO) and the satellite internet constellation Starlink. The Asunción Times had announced the partnership in October 2025.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), through its Vice Minister Klaus Pistili, reported that work is progressing in historically isolated areas of the Chaco. The plan includes 500 high-speed connection sites. Health centres and educational communities without connectivity are being prioritised.
The first phase of the project began at the end of 2025. Of the 500 planned satellite connection access points, 61 were prioritised. Eighteen of these are already operational in Presidente Hayes and Boquerón.
Expanding opportunities through internet access points
Pistili said that locations such as Villa Hayes, Filadelfia, Benjamín Aceval, Mariscal Estigarribia, Puerto Falcón and Nanawa, all located within the Chaco region already have internet access points. Indigenous communities, including Sawhoyamaxa and Yakye Axa, are also benefiting from newly established connectivity.
The internet access points offers a minimum bandwidth of 200 Mbps. This allows health centres to access the Ministry of Health’s Health Information System (HIS). Schools can also use digital programmes from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development. These include the Zero Hunger Programme.
The Vice Minister stated that the main challenge is logistical rather than technical. The goal is to install all 500 internet access points by the end of 2026. The project aims to strengthen connectivity infrastructure. Furthermore, it also supports the country’s transition towards greater digitalisation. The Government is promoting the initiative nationwide. Improved connectivity will expand access to health, education and public services. Additionally, it will also support more inclusive and equitable development.
