A new study from the National Statistics Agency in Peru has revealed a large difference between internet coverage in rural and urban areas of the country. The report shows that whilst in Lima, the capital of Peru, internet coverage in homes is relatively high at 25%, in other urban areas the figure is lower at 12%. However, in rural areas, this figure drops dramatically to 0.3%.

Despite this, many Peruvians find other ways to access the internet. The study revealed that many Peruvians still access the internet in internet cafes, of which there are many in Peru. This might explain statistics from the International Telecommunication Union saying that there are over 34 internet users per 100 persons in Peru, despite the lack of internet coverage in homes.

Several projects are aslo underway in an attempt to increase the scale of internet coverage in Peru. Gilat Satellite Networks are planning to provide internet and telephone services throughout the country’s rural regions. The network will connect over 770 communities allowing over 215 000 people access to the internet, and should be completed within the next five years. Further initiatives include the Fibre Optic Project in the Andes, a plan to lay over 1800km of cable in the mountainous area of Peru, which will benefit over 2.4 million Peruvians in the interior of the country.

Such initiatives will aid the development of Peru in more ways than one. Aside from the social benefits that the internet will bring to Peruvians, these projects will also enhance the state of Peruvian economy. A recent study from the World Bank on the impact of broadband in the development of medium income countries such as Peru, found that every 10% increase in broadband penetration would result in an increase of 1.38% in the growth rate of the country.

Tags: fibre optic, internet, Peru