🇺🇳United Nations

Juan Montalvo Refugee Community Pilot Network in Ecuador with UNHCR

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 for the connectivity challenges facing sectors housing 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 locals experiencing economic hardships.

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

Pilot Deployment Results

Over the course of 12 months of delivering free internet service to the community, we witnessed remarkable outcomes that exceeded expectations. 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.

  • 🧑 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

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