Guarantee Internet Access for Mayan Ixil Youth

During this quarter, Novanet continued advancing its mission of providing internet access to communities with limited connectivity, helping reduce the digital divide and creating opportunities for educational, social, and economic development.

Achievements

During this reporting period, important progress was made in terms of coverage, social impact, and network strengthening:

• 16 households were connected, benefiting approximately 33 people in the municipality of Chajul and two nearby rural communities.
  
  
• A total of 16 new installations were completed, expanding internet access in areas with limited connectivity.
  
  
• Technical maintenance and network improvements were carried out, contributing to the stability and quality of the service.
  
  

Social Impact

The project continues to generate meaningful change in the lives of families and communities:

• Beneficiary families now have access to digital tools that facilitate communication and access to information.
  
  
• Students in the communities served have been able to continue their studies through internet access.
  
  
• Small local businesses have begun using connectivity to strengthen and improve their commercial activities.
  
  

Impact Story

Among the families reached is Juana Vi, a 43-year-old single mother living in a rural community in Chajul. With limited financial resources, she dedicates her life to caring for her home and supporting her family while facing the daily challenges of living in an underserved area.

Her home, built with simple materials, reflects the reality of many families in the region, where access to basic services—including connectivity—has historically been limited.

Before receiving this service, her family depended on purchasing mobile phone credit in order to communicate or occasionally access the internet on their phones. However, the constant increase in costs made this access irregular and, in many cases, unaffordable. Today, for the first time, her household has a stable internet connection, allowing her to improve communication, access useful information, and provide greater opportunities for her family.

Despite the hardships she faces, Juana received the service with deep gratitude, recognizing the value that connectivity can bring to her daily life.

Her story reflects how internet access can become a key tool for improving quality of life and creating new opportunities in rural communities.

Use of Funds

During the quarter, the funds received were used strategically to ensure both the operation and expansion of the service:

• Antennas, routers, and cables: Connectivity equipment and installation materials were purchased to expand coverage and connect new households in rural communities.
  
  
• 16 new installations: These installations made it possible to connect additional households in the municipality.
  
  
• Network maintenance and technical adjustments: Maintenance work and network improvements were carried out to improve service stability and reduce interruptions.
  
  
• Connectivity service payments: Essential connectivity-related expenses were covered to guarantee the continuous operation and stability of the network.
  
  

These resources have been essential for maintaining service continuity and expanding the project’s impact in the communities served.

Challenges Faced

Novanet continues to face several challenges in delivering reliable connectivity:

• Power outages in the municipality have been one of the main obstacles, as they directly affect the continuity and stability of internet service in connected homes.
  
  
• Expanding network capacity remains a challenge due to the need for greater infrastructure investment in order to meet growing demand.
  
  
• Weather conditions have, in some cases, made installations and maintenance more difficult, causing delays in scheduled work.
  
  
• Economic limitations faced by some families make it difficult for them to subscribe to or maintain the service, despite their strong interest in having connectivity.
  
  

Despite these challenges, Novanet has continued seeking practical solutions in order to provide the service as efficiently as possible.

Next Steps

For the coming period, Novanet’s goals are to:

• Connect new households
  
  
• Expand coverage and increase the number of families served in two nearby rural communities
  
  
• Strengthen infrastructure to improve service stability
  
  
• Continue promoting internet access as a tool for development
  
  

Conclusion

The work carried out during this quarter reflects Novanet’s strong commitment to community development. It demonstrates that access to the internet can create a significant and lasting impact on people’s quality of life by opening doors to education, communication, and economic opportunity.