Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant to the Rio Metrópole Institute (IRM) to support the expansion of broadband coverage in 22 municipalities in the greater Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. The project will help address the growing demand for affordable connectivity and access to e-government, health and educational services in an area that is home to nearly 13 million people.
“Rio de Janeiro’s prioritization of increasing access to secure, high-speed connectivity is a goal that USTDA is proud to support,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “U.S. companies offer world-leading solutions in this space and are eager to partner with Brazil as it continues transforming its digital infrastructure to meet the demands and improve the lives of its citizens. Our long-standing collaboration with the Government of Rio de Janeiro is helping to make that happen.”
This technical assistance will allow for an interconnected governance system for Rio’s state agencies that will enhance communications, streamline services, and increase overall efficiency and cybersecurity. The project will also lay the foundation for infrastructure needed to further advance the deployment of next generation telecommunication networks, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence in the state.
“It is essential to develop projects like Metropolitan Infovia, but getting them off the ground is even more important for our development. With financial support from USTDA, this will be possible. Additionally, recognition from such an important agency shows that we are on the right path and motivates us to move forward,” said Davi Perini Vermelho, IRM’s president.
Jacqueline Ward, Consul General for the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, said: “As the United States and Brazil celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations, I cannot think of any better way to honor our long-standing friendship than with projects like this grant. The millions of citizens of Rio de Janeiro who will now have access to secure, high-speed internet will be more connected to the United States and the world.”
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
The grant will advance the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to deliver game-changing projects to close the infrastructure gap in developing countries.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
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