MinTIC cancels Amazon fiber optic project amid rising costs

Colombia’s Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MinTIC) has canceled a major fiber optic project intended to bring high-speed internet to the remote Putumayo region in the Amazon. The decision, announced by Minister Alexandra Falla, follows a significant budget surge where estimated costs rose 67.1%, from 683,000 million pesos in 2025 to over 1.14 trillion pesos in 2026.

An expert review identified substantial financial uncertainties and technical, environmental, and coverage risks. The cancellation also halts plans for an international digital connection with Brazil’s 'Norte Conectado' program, which aimed to link Brazilian infrastructure in Tabatinga to Leticia, Colombia.

Separately, the Attorney General’s Office has requested the suspension of a bidding process for the remodeling and expansion of the San Juan de Dios Hospital and the Maternal and Child Institute in Bogotá. The request follows reports of potential irregularities, lack of clear financing documentation, and inconsistencies in the evaluation of participating companies for the 292.9 billion peso project.