Front (l-r) Mr. Pedro Duque, President of HISPASAT and Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTU. Back (l-r) Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
HISPASAT and Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Bridge the Digital Divide in the Caribbean
HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite telecommunications operator, and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on expanding satellite connectivity across CARICOM Member States. Signed by Mr. Pedro Duque, President of HISPASAT and Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTU, this agreement establishes a Technical Committee to develop solutions for improving digital access in the region.
The Technical Committee will focus on several key objectives, including:
- Exploring specific use cases for satellite capacity, addressing legal, technical, budgetary, and financial considerations.
- Quantifying current and projecting future (10-year horizon) satellite connectivity needs in selected CARICOM Member States.
- Identifying public institutions that currently or could potentially utilize space capacities and manage critical infrastructures requiring satellite connectivity.
- Sharing expertise on space infrastructure governance and recommending optimal frameworks for shared capacity operation.
- Evaluating required space capability characteristics to meet present and future connectivity demands.
- Exploring the feasibility of developing a shared space infrastructure project to ensure CARICOM Member States’ independence and autonomy in closing the digital divide.
- Investigating new business opportunities through HISPASAT start-ups and/or spin-offs.
- Exploring technological and scientific training projects with CARICOM universities to develop a specialized workforce in space and digital security.
This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and promoting digital inclusion throughout the Caribbean region. Both HISPASAT and the CTU are committed to leveraging satellite technology to empower communities and foster economic growth within CARICOM Member States.
About HISPASAT
HISPASAT is a Spanish satellite telecommunications operator providing coverage over the Americas, Europe and North Africa. It is the eighth largest satellite operator in the world in terms of revenue. It provides a wide range of services, including broadband access, data transmission, and television broadcasting. HISPASAT operates a fleet of geostationary satellites and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
About the CTU
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the development of telecommunications in the Caribbean region. It works with member states to harmonize telecommunications policies, promote investment in infrastructure, and foster the growth of the ICT sector. The CTU provides technical assistance, training, and research to support its members in achieving their telecommunications development goals. Its headquarters is located in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
