Despite tremendous efforts made by governments ranging from the Pacific to Latin America for the last decade, the digital divide between the connected and underserved communities continues to exist. This is because despite telcos and MNOs aligning with governments’ agendas, there is a need for hybrid terrestrial and satellite networks to ensure the delivery of the most cost-effective and reliable solutions.

SES provides high-speed, reliable satellite connectivity to even the most remote corners of the world, has been helping telcos, MNOs and governments to accomplish digital inclusion, and unlocking businesses opportunities as well as access to health or education online services.

SES spoke with Dalila, Nana and Javier – our customers’ customers who talked about how reliable internet satellite connectivity has positively impacted their lives.

Transforming a family home into a paradise retreat

Plaza Luna Suites, a boutique Galapagos Island hotel, is more than a business for Dalila Castillo; it is her former family home, where she grew up playing and laughing with her seven siblings. The family may have moved out, but the positive energy lives on in the magical touches that make the hotel unique, from bottomless cups of lemongrass tea to the building’s quirky murals.

“A guest is not just a guest; I treat them like they are my friends and family,” she says.

Reliable access to the outside world has not always been a given for Dalila. With previous service providers, she struggled to upload videos. Now, travellers can watch a tour of the venue on YouTube before they make a reservation.

“Without connectivity, I don’t have a business. It’s as simple as that,” she says.

Connectivity is essential to modern tourism, which relies on online booking platforms, reviews and payment systems.

The connection from CNT Ecuador and SES gives Dalila access to all of these tools despite her location 1,000 miles from the mainland.

Keeping families together in the Cook Islands

When Nana Roberts was growing up on the outer Cook Island of Aitu, there were no computers. Today, as deputy vice principal of the local school, she is able to download teaching materials and hold classes in the IT room. Internet connectivity is more than a resource for Aitu, which has fewer than 400 inhabitants. It keeps families together as young people do not have to travel to larger islands, such as Rorotonga, to complete higher education or work.

“We are losing people on the island,” Nana says, “If people can work online from home, perhaps they will come back. Our students say they’d rather be here.”

SES is working with Vodafone Cook Islands to deliver reliable high-speed broadband to the archipelago’s outer reaches.

Transforming a previously unconnected town with the internet

Javier Lanche works for the small town of Santa Cruz Bamba in Oaxaca, Mexico, which has a population of around 2,000. Until 2023, it was isolated from the online world with no internet connection. Javier helps people to adapt to this monumental change by advising local businesses on e-commerce and setting up access to online education.

Internet connectivity has unlocked new life in the town, for the first time enabling acts as simple as directing an ambulance, getting a taxi or making an online sale. On a personal level, it allows Jose to communicate with overseas relatives.

“Sometimes it took even longer than a year to communicate, now it’s every day,” he says.

CFE TEIT and SES brought internet connectivity and mobile phone services to the area, transforming health, business, transportation and education.

The positive impact our connectivity services have on these users is ultimately what matters for our customers and for SES.