The Regional Government of La Araucanía has committed an additional US$3 million to expand the Comunidades Conectadas initiative across the region, marking a significant step toward closing long-standing digital connectivity gaps. Set to begin under the 2026 budget cycle, the decision reflects a strategic shift to ensure that digital access becomes a regional right rather than an urban privilege, particularly for rural and indigenous Mapuche communities that have historically faced barriers to connectivity.
The commitment follows high-level discussions held on 26 February between Regional Governor René Saffirio and representatives of the United Nations system in Chile, including the UN Resident Coordinator as well as FAO and PAHO. These discussions centred on the role of digital inclusion in improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, markets, and public services for remote communities across La Araucanía.
As part of this shared vision, the Regional Government and the United Nations agreed to jointly design a territorial investment plan tailored to the region’s unique geographic challenges. Expanding digital infrastructure in La Araucanía requires overcoming difficult terrain, including mountainous areas and dense forests, which have historically limited the reach of telecommunications networks.
The initiative is now moving into an implementation phase, with two partnership models under consideration. One option involves transferring funds to the United Nations to implement an expanded version of Comunidades Conectadas specific to La Araucanía, while the other would see the Regional Government lead execution based on a jointly designed project framework. Both approaches emphasise community participation, municipal collaboration, and local ownership, ensuring that communities play an active role in shaping their digital future.
The expansion aligns closely with La Araucanía’s Regional Development Strategy and the Municipal Investment Network for regional development, reinforcing the importance of digital infrastructure as a foundation for social and economic inclusion. Beyond improving connectivity, the investment aims to strengthen participation in modern economic and social life for rural residents.
Ultimately, the initiative represents a broader commitment to equity and opportunity. By improving digital access, La Araucanía seeks to enable practical benefits such as access to agricultural information, remote learning, telemedicine, and new market opportunities for local entrepreneurs, demonstrating how connectivity can translate into tangible improvements in daily life and long-term regional development.
