ARSAT 1. Photo: INVAP

[Via Satellite 10-18-2016] Argentinian telecommunications company ARSAT has selected Hughes’ Jupiter system to deliver high-speed satellite internet connectivity to schools and underserved rural areas of the country. Hughes is providing a latest generation Jupiter system, including gateways and VSATs, which will operate over the ARSAT 1 and 2 satellites.

The initial phase envisions approximately 1,000 terminals connecting schools to the internet, working toward an eventual goal of 2,000 sites. ARSAT’s Jupiter implementation is part of Argentina’s initiative to increase internet connectivity and reduce service costs for rural communities that are unserved or underserved by terrestrial broadband services. A particular area of focus is digital inclusion of educational facilities, bringing broadband connectivity to rural schools.

“Argentina has one of the highest rates of internet connectivity in Latin America, but mostly in urban areas. We are working to build on that by improving the quality and accessibility of service across the country, particularly rural areas,” said Rodrigo de Loredo, president of ARSAT.

ARSAT provides satellite telecommunications services such as voice, data transmission, audio and video, and is also in charge of other major telecommunications projects, namely Argentina’s Federal Fiber Optical Network, the National Data Center, and the national platform for the Argentine System of Direct-to-Home (DTH) Free TV.