The National Telecommunication Union (CNT) is bringing Starlink's community gateway to the Galapagos Islands, bringing fiber-optic speeds from space to the Galapagos Islands

By CNT

Galapagos, August 19, 2025.- The National Telecommunications Corporation (CNT EP) is transforming connectivity in the Galapagos Islands through the implementation of the Starlink high-speed satellite service, designed by SpaceX. This solution will allow the island province to access next-generation fixed internet services, with speeds comparable to those on the mainland, overcoming geographical barriers and preserving the archipelago's ecosystem.

During the "GALÁPAGOS CHOOSE THE FUTURE" event, the CNT EP presented this project, which represents a significant advance in the Corporation's mission to connect Ecuador through cutting-edge technology and a firm commitment to environmental sustainability. The use of Starlink technology avoids the installation of underwater cables, minimizing the impact on the marine environment and protecting the archipelago's unique biodiversity.

“For a long time, the geography that makes these islands unique also presented us with connectivity challenges. But today, that era is over, as we celebrate a true technological revolution for this archipelago. Thanks to CNT's forward-thinking vision and the innovative power of Starlink technology, we are inaugurating the Community Gateway. This is much more than technology; it's tangible progress. It's the certainty of unlimited internet access, with speeds comparable to those on the mainland,” said Ronald Spina, general manager of CNT EP.

Unlike traditional internet services that rely on terrestrial infrastructure such as fiber optics or ADSL, Starlink doesn't require physical cabling. It operates using a constellation of satellites located in low-Earth orbit (approximately 550 kilometers above sea level) that communicate with each other using laser technology. This system offers high-speed broadband internet access with stable coverage in areas where conventional connections are limited or nonexistent.

In the archipelago's case, the main infrastructure is comprised of a Starlink Community Gateway located on Santa Cruz Island. This high-capacity ground station distributes fast and stable internet to all the main islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana, enabling download and upload speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, an unprecedented capacity for the region.

"You can now receive internet service without installing antennas, but most importantly, without consumption limits, applying the same commercial model as on the continent, because the National Government prioritizes ensuring that citizens in Ecuador's 24 provinces have access to connectivity. With satellite internet service, we will continue to close the digital divide and deliver public services in a timely and high-quality manner," stated Roberto Kury, Minister of Telecommunications and the Information Society.

With Starlink Community Gateways, Starlink satellites can deliver fiber-optic-like speeds with local providers distributing connectivity to homes, businesses, and governments using last-mile fiber, fixed wireless, and mobile wireless. Community Gateway traffic transits through Starlink's global laser mesh network and utilizes high-bandwidth gateways operating in a dedicated Ka-band spectrum.

The system is currently operational, thanks to the collaborative work of CNT EP technical staff, who carried out the deployment with the specialized support of engineers sent directly to the site by Starlink.

The implementation of this technology will boost the local economy and significantly improve the quality of life for Galapagos residents, facilitating access to telemedicine, distance learning, remote work, and better communication with the rest of the world, thus promoting greater digital inclusion and territorial equity.

With this initiative, the CNT EP reaffirms its commitment to bringing high-impact technological solutions to every corner of the country, consolidating its leadership in Ecuador's digital transformation and demonstrating that sustainable, high-quality connectivity is possible even in the most remote territories.

About Starlink

Starlink is the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calling, and more. Starlink is designed and operated by SpaceX. As the world’s premier launch services provider and the only provider with a reusable orbital-class rocket, SpaceX has deep expertise in both spacecraft and in-orbit operations. Learn more at www.starlink.com and follow us @Starlink on X.