The Hispasat program stands out as the sole award recipient in a €76.3 million aid package dedicated to expanding satellite link services in rural areas without reliable coverage. The initiative, run through Único Demanda Rural, aims to bring affordable connectivity to communities that have been left behind by traditional fixed broadband networks.
Funding for these aids comes from European sources and covers equipment, installation, and service delivery through December 31, 2027. In practical terms, eligible towns or communities with less than 50 Mbps availability can expect a subsidy of 35 euros per month to support ongoing access to satellite services, according to a formal statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation.
As part of the funding plan, 40 million euros will be allocated toward developing a hosting platform for the service, while 36 million euros will go toward user registration assistance after the winning bids are finalized. The program is designed to ensure a robust and scalable infrastructure for satellite connectivity, with a clear emphasis on reducing barriers to entry for rural residents and public institutions.
Currently, the call for proposals remains active, and the bidding process has seen mixed outcomes. Four bids from Avatel, one from Reditel Wimax, and one from Gurbtec Iguana Telecom were rejected for not meeting the stated objectives of the call, whereas the Redeia group operator’s proposal met the eligibility criteria and was accepted. This approval marks a meaningful step toward extending satellite access in underserved areas.
According to the base ranking, beneficiaries may receive a subsidy of up to 600 euros to help cover the installation costs required to receive a satellite connection. This subsidy is intended to reduce upfront expenses for households and organizations looking to connect for the first time or upgrade existing satellite setups.
The program is open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, self-employed workers, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and municipal authorities. The objective is to enable access to municipal services via satellite connectivity, linking facilities such as town halls, libraries, fire stations, and even national police outposts where fixed broadband remains unavailable or unreliable. This approach aims to improve public service delivery and emergency response capabilities in rural regions.
In summary, the Rural Satellite Connectivity Initiative combines substantial European funding with a clear implementation plan to expand affordable satellite access. By supporting equipment, installation, platform development, and user onboarding, the program seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities with dependable online services and improved access to essential municipal functions.