In a landmark step to strengthen science, education, and innovation in Latin America, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Peru (MTC) has announced its collaboration with the BELLA II project—an initiative led by RedCLARA and co-financed by the European Union—that will link the country regionally and with Europe via a high-capacity fiber-optic network.
This connection, offering links of 100 Gbps and above, positions Peru as a key node in the regional digital infrastructure, enabling scientific and academic data exchange on an unprecedented scale and accelerating access to knowledge, technological development, and national competitiveness.
During a working meeting between Vice Minister of Communications Carla Sosa Vela and RedCLARA Executive Director Luis Eliécer Cadenas, along with representatives of both institutions, it was agreed that the MTC will provide specialized technical support for the project’s implementation throughout Peru. This effort falls under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February by both parties, aimed at strengthening digital connectivity cooperation for scientific, educational, and technological purposes.
Vice Minister Sosa Vela emphasized that “the deployment of this high-capacity network represents a historic opportunity for Peru, not only by strengthening our connection with Europe but also by boosting national capacities in research, education, and innovation. Our vision at the MTC is clear: to deliver connectivity that transforms lives and closes digital divides.”
RedCLARA’s Executive Director added, “This project is not an end in itself; connectivity only makes sense when it provides capabilities for people’s development. From this infrastructure, new spaces for regional cooperation will emerge to drive the advancement of science, research, and the digital ecosystem in Peru, Latin America, and the European Union. I am firmly convinced that, with political will, technical capacity, and a shared vision, we will ensure that BELLA II remains a tangible testimony to the value of international cooperation.”
BELLA II focuses on expanding digital connectivity between Europe and Latin America and on strengthening research and education capacities through National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). With Peru’s integration into this collaborative network, new opportunities open for Peruvian universities, research centers, and students to participate in high-impact international projects.
This collaboration forms part of the regional effort to build a sovereign and resilient digital infrastructure that promotes sustainable development and closes knowledge access gaps.
