Viettel narrows digital divide through internet access

Children in Cusco, Peru using the Internet

A prime example of this mission is San Pedro Nolasco Primary School in Cusco, Peru. Located nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, the school faced rugged terrain and economic barriers that deterred major telecommunications providers. In 2022, Bitel (Viettel’s Peruvian brand) built the necessary infrastructure to provide free internet service despite dangerous, mountain-climbing logistics. Cusco Congressman Alejandro Soto Reyes noted that while Peru’s education spending remains low, Bitel’s support offers hope for connecting the country’s poorest highland regions.

Around 25 million students, university learners, and teachers have gained access to online learning resources, creating a strong ripple effect not only in education, but across society.

The impact was immediate: students gained digital knowledge and teachers acquired modern instructional tools. Bitel is now the only provider in Peru offering free internet to approximately 4,500 schools, benefiting nearly one million students.

This initiative scales Viettel’s "Internet for Schools" program, launched in Vietnam in 2008. Over 18 years, the program has connected nearly 40,000 institutions, 92% of schools nationwide, enabling 25 million people to access online resources. This foundation has created a digital education ecosystem transforming Vietnamese learning. 

The journey to bring internet access to students living at an altitude of 3,000 meters

Viettel has expanded this model to Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Burundi. By partnering with local governments, the company brings broadband to underserved rural areas, aligning business growth with social responsibility. 

Nearly 40,000 educational institutions, equivalent to 92% of all schools nationwide, have been connected with free internet service.

In the era of digital transformation, Viettel views internet access as a basic requirement for economic participation. By connecting remote students, the digital divide is gradually removed. The Global CSR & ESG Awards 2026 honors these sustained efforts to use technology for community empowerment and sustainable development from Vietnam to Peru.

Translated by Tran Hoai