In recent years, internet connectivity in Latin America has seen remarkable growth. Over 90% of people in countries like the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Chile are now online, placing these nations at the forefront of internet access in the region. Additionally, more than 85% of the populations in Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, and Jamaica are connected. However, internet access remains a challenge in some areas; for instance, Venezuela’s internet penetration rate stood at just 61%, with Panama at 74%. Overall, the internet penetration rate in Latin America is approximately 75% (GSMA and Statista, 2024).
While major cities typically enjoy good internet services, the quality and speed can vary significantly, especially in rural areas where slower connections are common. So, what satellite connectivity options are available to meet your operational needs?
Latin America is characterized by its diverse countries, each with unique regulations and licensing requirements. As of January 2025, Starlink is operational in 28 countries and territories across Latin America and the Caribbean, with more launches planned for the year. As the first authorized reseller and integrator for Starlink, Speedcast has been actively testing and deploying this technology for our customers to enhance their remote operations since 2022.
One of the key features of Starlink is its ability to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity at reasonable prices through its low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Starlink offers download speeds of 25 and 220 Mbps, upload speeds of 5 to 10 Mbps, and a latency below 99 milliseconds. For residential services, Starlink does not offer service guarantees, so actual speeds may fall below anticipated levels during peak usage times. For enterprise customers, Starlink is starting to roll out a 99.9% service level agreement (SLA), ensuring its network performance can consistently meet business requirements. Starlink’s user-friendly terminals are low cost and easy to install, contributing to its popularity, with sold out capacity in some regions, like Buenos Aires, Bogotá, and Rio de Janeiro. If Starlink isn’t an option for you, what alternatives exist?
Eutelsat OneWeb
Eutelsat OneWeb is expanding its footprint in Latin America. As a OneWeb Global Distributor and ground infrastructure partner, Speedcast is deploying the new LEO service and developing teleport facilities to support OneWeb coverage in the region. In our Ultimate Guide to OneWeb video, we shared insights revealing average speeds of 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up, with latency significantly lower than traditional GEO services. OneWeb distinguishes itself with its service level agreements (SLA) and committed information rates (CIR), comparable to GEO satellite services and terrestrial networks. In addition to its stable service, OneWeb supports terminals from various vendors, including Intellian and Kymeta. Their offerings range from parabolic antennas to flat panels, accommodating various asset types, from yachts to polar research vessels.
Speedcast Ku-band VSAT
Speedcast’s Ku-band VSAT network offers robust coverage throughout Latin America. The network includes a variety of antennas and modems designed for both land and maritime applications, ensuring a CIR that guarantees minimum bandwidth availability at all times. This reliability makes Speedcast Ku ideal for a wide range of applications, from high-quality voice services to data transfer. With the largest global network in the world, Speedcast Ku VSAT remains a trusted option when other technologies may falter. For a full look at our connectivity suite, visit here.
Every successful operation has a fallback plan
Whether it’s heavy rain, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or regulatory changes, relying on a single connectivity option can expose your operations to significant risk. For businesses where reliable internet access is essential, Speedcast recommends adopting a multipath connectivity approach. The latest multipath options even include a new innovative dual-LEO solution for remote sites, integrating both Starlink and OneWeb service. Speedcast’s SIGMA Edge Networking platform seamlessly integrates LEO, MEO and GEO VSAT options, along with L-band, 4G/LTE, microwave, and fiber, tailored to your specific needs and operating environment. With its enterprise-grade SD-WAN, SIGMA continuously evaluates and selects the optimal connectivity solution, ensuring your applications perform consistently and remain available whenever you need them.
Latin America stands out as one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse regions, rich in culture, biodiversity, and natural resources. Enhancing internet access and upgrading connectivity services can significantly boost the economy and unlock new business opportunities across the continent. By understanding your connectivity options —considering coverage, equipment, speeds, reliability, security capabilities, and costs — you can make informed decisions and empower your business. The right connectivity solution can enhance operational efficiency, maintain vital communication requirements, and ensure safety even in the most challenging environments.
Speak with our experts to explore connectivity options that best suit your operational needs.