BNDES allocates R$10 million for fiber to schools, rural areas of Minas Gerais

The Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) approved a R$10 million financing package for Ultrafiber Informática e Telecomunicações, a regional internet provider based in Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais. The funds, granted under the BNDES Fust program, will be used in four investment fronts:

• R$370,600 to build six kilometres of fiber optic line and maintain connectivity for a public school in Itabira. • R$2.56 million to install high‑speed internal networks for 54 public schools across 11 municipalities, directly benefiting about 28,466 students. • R$6.77 million to construct roughly 110 km of high‑capacity transport fiber linking the core network to peripheral zones, serving 22 localities in nine municipalities. • R$818,380 to expand high‑capacity access in Jaguaruçu and Santa Maria de Itabira, adding 1,714 new households with an expected 600 active connections.

Ultrafiber projects that the rollout will eventually reach more than 200,000 families in 15 cities and generate around 150 direct jobs. BNDES president Aloizio Mercadante highlighted the multiplier effect of telecom infrastructure on regional development, while Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho stressed the role of quality internet in reducing inequalities for students, rural producers and entrepreneurs.