The Ministry of Transport and Communications, led by Minister Aldo Martín Prieto Barrera, announced on April 7 the start of a new phase in digital connectivity for the Arequipa region. The initiative aims to provide high-speed internet access to more than 141,000 residents across 252 communities.
This project is intended to reduce the digital divide and strengthen public services such as education and health. The ministry said it will connect 442 public institutions—including schools, health centers, and police stations—to high-speed internet. In addition, free WiFi will be available in 224 public spaces and there will be 92 Digital Access Centers focused on improving technology skills among citizens.
Prieto Barrera said during the ceremony that “today we are not here just to launch a project. We are here to open opportunities, bring the State closer to people, and demonstrate with concrete actions that Peru moves forward when it connects with its citizens.” He added that “more than 141 thousand citizens in 252 population centers begin a new stage where distance no longer limits access to education, health or opportunities.” The minister also stated: “this deployment is not just an infrastructure work. It is a network that carries opportunities: digital education, telehealth, financial inclusion and more security for citizens.”
The ministry reported that over 2,872 kilometers of fiber optic cable will be installed as part of this effort at an investment exceeding $93 million. This work seeks to deliver quality connectivity even in historically remote areas.
According to the official website, the Ministry of Transport and Communications supports cultural and social wellbeing by improving national connectivity through enhanced infrastructure. It functions as part of Peru’s executive branch with authority over transport and communications policy nationwide according to the same source. The ministry operates service centers like MAC Lima Este and MAC Lima Sur for better public access according to its official website.
The organization delivers safe, sustainable infrastructure aiming at national integration according to its official website. It manages projects using multimodal approaches since beginning operations in 1969 as reported by its official site.
Prieto Barrera concluded: “when we connect territories we connect development; when we connect people we build a country.” Authorities from regional government as well as local leaders attended the event virtually from different parts of Arequipa.
