United Nations

Juan Montalvo Refugee Community Pilot Network in Ecuador with UNHCR

Desiree Nuñez at Juan Montalvo, Guayaquil - Ecuador.

UNHCR assessments in Ecuador's top refugee neighborhoods revealed a lack of stable internet due to high costs and infrastructure gaps, hindering digital inclusion.

In response to a request from UNHCR, a solution was proposed to address the connectivity challenges facing sectors that house thousands of refugees in Ecuador. This initiative underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing internet access to underserved communities.

One such community is Juan Montalvo in Guayaquil, where collaborative efforts are making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents, including refugees and local residents experiencing economic hardship.

Data

Information about the Pilot Deployment

UNHCR's Digital Innovation program supported the deployment of this pilot network, which the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg funded, expanded, and made self-sustainable by Wayru.

  • 🌎 Place: Guayaquil - Ecuador

  • 📍Sector: Juan Montalvo

  • Duration: January 1, 2023 → January 1, 2024

  • 📶 WiFi Zones: 20

  • 📡 Hotspots Deployed: 42

  • 💜 Estimated Daily Users: 2,500

We witnessed remarkable outcomes that exceeded expectations over 24 months of delivering free internet service to the community. These achievements are not only encouraging but also affirming our belief that networks can indeed become self-sustaining. Furthermore, they underscore the significant demand within the community for internet connectivity.

Results

Year 1 Results

  • 🧑 Unique Users Connected: 63,693

  • 🔝 Max Daily Users: 3,276

  • Total MB Consumed: 368,025,017

  • 📈 Highest Daily MB Consumed: 23,821,227

  • 📊 Average Daily MB Traffic per AP: 16,976

  • 🕙 Top Traffic Hours: 9 to 10 PM

Year 2 Results

Learn more

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