Peru Advances Legislation to Expand Broadband Internet Access Nationwide
The Peruvian Congress today approved a resolution designed to accelerate the deployment of broadband internet infrastructure and ensure universal access for all citizens, particularly in rural areas.
The ruling, based on Bill 322/2021-CR, passed with 18 votes in favor and 2 against. It aims to streamline bureaucratic processes and guarantee the constitutional right to internet access, as protected by Article 14-A of the Peruvian Constitution. The legislation focuses on harmonizing regulations for telecommunications infrastructure installation, building upon existing laws like Law 31456 and Law 29904. This move is particularly significant as reliable internet access is increasingly vital for economic development and social inclusion.
According to Juan Carlos Mori Celis, head of the Transportation and Communications Commission, the approved legal formula will establish an “automatic approval procedure” for infrastructure projects, mirroring guidelines in Law 29022, the Law for the Expansion of Telecommunications Infrastructure. “The goal is to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, ensure the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, guarantee universal internet access—especially in rural areas—and realize the constitutional right to internet access,” Mori Celis stated. Further legislation was also unanimously approved to strengthen connectivity through interregional and regional road infrastructure projects in several departments, including Apurímac, Arequipa, and Puno – details on Peru’s infrastructure development can be found at the Peruvian government’s official website.
In addition to the broadband initiative, lawmakers also supported bills related to driver’s licenses and radio spectrum usage for citizen security services. Officials indicated that the next step involves implementation of the approved measures and collaboration with regional and local governments to facilitate the rapid expansion of broadband networks. For more information on digital inclusion initiatives globally, see the International Telecommunication Union.
By the Congress of the Republic of Peru
This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system
In order to promote and strengthen the deployment of broadband infrastructure and networks in Peru, and to guarantee all citizens access to information, education, and culture via the internet, the Transportation and Communications Commission approved the resolution proposing to facilitate broadband internet access for all Peruvians.
The ruling is based on Bill 322/2021-CR, authored by Congresswoman Adriana Tudela Gutiérrez (AvP), which received 18 votes in favor, 2 votes against, and zero abstentions.
In the words of the commission’s head, Juan Carlos Mori Celis (AP), the goal is to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, ensure the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, guarantee universal internet access—especially in rural areas—and realize the constitutional right to internet access, protected by Article 14-A of the Constitution.
The approved legal formula contains two articles and a final complementary provision.
The first article establishes “the purpose of amending Law 29904 in order to harmonize the regulation of the installation of telecommunications infrastructure and networks necessary for Broadband in accordance with the provisions of Law 31456, the Law Extending the Validity of Law 30228, and the Law Amending Law 29022, the Law for the Expansion of Telecommunications Infrastructure.”
The second article modifies the third final complementary provision of Law 29904, the Law on the Promotion of Broadband and Construction of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network, which provides for the granting of authorizations by regional and local governments to install telecommunications infrastructure and networks necessary for broadband.
“It is subject to the automatic approval procedure established in Law 29022, Law for the Expansion of Telecommunications Infrastructure and its Regulations, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of Law 31456, Law Extending the Validity of Law 30228, Law Amending Law 29022, Law for the Expansion of Telecommunications Infrastructure,” it states.
PUBLIC NEED
The ruling proposing to declare the execution of interregional and regional road infrastructure projects in the departments of Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Junín, and Puno to strengthen the country’s connectivity and territorial development was immediately approved.
The legal provision is based on bills 9560/2024-CR, 10141/2024-CR, 10249/2024-CR, 11477/2024-CR, 11925/2024-CR, and 11972/2024-CR. It was approved unanimously with 20 votes.
SUPPORTS
Congressman Jorge Flores Ancachi (PP) supported Bill 9490/2023-CR, which proposes a law that exceptionally enables the administrative process for granting driver’s licenses.
Then, parliamentarian Alex Paredes Gonzáles (SP) supported two bills:
6444/2023-CR, which proposes a law exempting local governments from paying an annual fee for the use of radio spectrum, solely for the provision of citizen security services.
And 10575/2024-CR, which proposes the law regulating the identification and control of small motor vehicles and delivery services.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INSTITUTIONAL IMAGE
