BNDES finances 500 km of fiber optic cable in Northern Paraná with support for the Ired Group.
With R$ 30,8 million from the BNDES Fust Program, the project will bring fiber optics to 20 locations and benefit approximately 20 establishments in the state.
247 - The Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has approved R$ 30,8 million in financing for ONN Multimídia Ltda, a company of the Ired Group, to expand telecommunications infrastructure in northern Paraná. The funds come from the BNDES Fust Program, which focuses on universal access to quality internet in Brazil. This information was released by the BNDES News Agency.
With the support of the public bank, a network of approximately 500 kilometers of high-speed fiber optics will be built, directly benefiting 20 establishments—including residences, businesses, and public institutions—in 20 locations in Paraná state. The state-of-the-art infrastructure, with redundancy systems, will guarantee greater coverage and reliability in the region's connectivity.
According to the president of BNDES, Aloizio Mercadante, the project goes beyond technical gains and represents an important step in reducing inequalities. “The expansion of the network will contribute to digital inclusion and the socioeconomic development of the region by facilitating access to education, health, and business opportunities. Universalizing internet access is fundamental to reducing inequalities in Brazil and a priority of President Lula's government,” he stated.
The locations covered by the project are: Japira, Pinhalão, Prado Ferreira, Correia de Freitas, Pirapó, São Pedro, Santa Zélia, Warta (Cambé), Warta (Londrina), Congonhas, Vassoural, Vila Guay, Guaravera, Irerê, Lerroville, São Luiz, Nova Amoreira, Iguatemi, São Martinho and Cruzeiro do Norte.
For Reginaldo Assunção, director of the Ired Group, the investment represents more than just network expansion. “It is an honor to lead this group that generates jobs, provides dedicated service, and brings quality connectivity to Northern Paraná. We believe that our mission goes beyond technical service—we promote inclusion, opportunities, and transform lives through connectivity,” he stated.
The project is part of the BNDES Fust Program strategy, created to stimulate the expansion, use, and improvement of the quality of telecommunications networks. "The financing seeks to promote the development of new connectivity technologies, contributing to the expansion of access to quality internet," stated José Luís Gordon, Director of Productive Development, Innovation, and Foreign Trade at BNDES.
Since the launch of BNDES Fust in October 2023, R$ 1,865 billion has already been approved for 54 companies, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Among the supported projects, 22 are direct operations covering 866 municipalities in 26 states, in addition to 32 indirect operations with small service providers. In the education sector, connectivity has reached 300 public schools, benefiting more than 41 students.
The Universal Telecommunications Services Fund (FUST), created by Law 9.998/2000 and managed by BNDES, has the mission of guaranteeing quality internet in underserved urban, rural, and remote regions. Telecommunications companies and other public or private entities can qualify for the program, provided they are compatible with the fund's objectives.
The Ired Group, responsible for executing the project through ONN Multimídia Ltda, was born from the merger of Delta Internet and Persis Internet, consolidating more than 27 years of experience in the sector. Headquartered in Maringá (PR), the group already serves more than 25 municipalities in the state and relies on technological innovation as a foundation to promote digital inclusion, regional development, and new opportunities.