Nokia and Global Fiber Peru launch subaquatic network in Amazon rainforest

In an innovative move to bridge the digital divide, Nokia has partnered with Global Fiber Peru to deploy a state-of-the-art subaquatic and future-proof optical, IP, and fiber broadband network in the Amazon rainforest. This extensive network provides over 400 communities with critical multi-gigabit broadband access, essential in today’s digital economy.

Project Scope and Technological Deployment

The network, buried in the Amazon River, interconnects approximately 500,000 users across an area known as the three-border region—where Peru, Colombia, and Brazil converge. Notably, the network connects the localities of Iquitos and Santa Rosa de Yaraví in Peru, Leticia in Colombia, and Tabatinga in Brazil. This marks the first Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband access service in the region, which is crucial for supporting a diversified economy that includes oil production, agriculture, timber extraction, fishing, tourism, and border trade.

Nokia’s deployment features a comprehensive suite of technologies including the 1830 Photonic Service Switch, 7750 service routers, 7250 interconnect routers, 7210 services access systems, and the Nokia Network Service Platform. The project also utilizes Nokia’s FX 8 and FX 16 optical line terminals, fiber optical network terminals, and Nokia Beacon 1 devices to ensure a premium Wi-Fi experience within customer premises.

Strategic Partnerships and Local Impact

This project was implemented in collaboration with FYCO, a local partner specialized in fiber telecom networks in Latin America. The collaboration extends beyond installation to include training, professional services, and maintenance.

Obed Dionisio, CEO at Global Fiber, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “We’re excited and proud to be the first company to have successfully deployed an optical fiber network in the depths of the Amazon River, connecting three countries. This achievement bridges a significant digital gap in remote areas previously inaccessible by traditional means.”

Executive Insights and Future Prospects

Rocío Castilla, CEO at Grupo Satelital, parent company of Global Fiber Peru, highlighted the social, economic, and educational impact of the project. “For the impact it has on social, economic, and educational development, providing thousands of people with access to high-quality internet, this project is of utmost relevance for our company,” said Castilla.

Osvaldo Di Campli, SVP & Head of Network Infrastructure Americas at Nokia, added, “This project is important as it provides fiber connections for the first time to hundreds of communities in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Broadband connectivity helps communities and local businesses grow and prosper.”

A Step Towards Inclusive Connectivity

The successful deployment of this subaquatic network by Nokia and Global Fiber Peru is a significant step towards eliminating the digital divide in one of the most challenging and remote environments on earth. It not only showcases the technological prowess of Nokia and its partners but also underscores a commitment to inclusive connectivity that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for isolated communities.

This project exemplifies how innovative technology and strategic partnerships can extend digital access to the most remote parts of the world, fostering community development and bridging the global digital divide.