Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

Note: Fust = Fund for the Universalization of Telecommunications Services 

The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has approved funding of R$ 30.8 million to ONN Multimédia Ltda, of the Ired Group, through the BNDES Fust Program, which supports the expansion and improvement of telecommunications networks in Brazil. The resources will allow the construction of about 500 km of high-speed fiber optic transport network in northern Paraná.

With the project, about 20,000 establishments will have access to quality internet, directly benefiting residents, companies and services in 20 locations in the state. These 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.

The project envisages infrastructure with state-of-the-art technology and redundancy systems, expanding the coverage and reliability of the connectivity offered by the company in the North of Paraná region.

According to BNDES president Aloizio Mercadante, the initiative goes beyond technical connectivity. "The expansion of the network will contribute to digital inclusion and socio-economic 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."

"It is an honor to lead this group that generates jobs, serves with dedication and brings quality connectivity to the North of Paraná. We believe that our mission goes beyond technical service - we promote inclusion, opportunities and transform lives through connectivity," says Reginaldo Assunção, Director of Ired Group.

BNDES Fust aims to stimulate the expansion, use and improvement of the quality of telecommunications networks and services. "The funding seeks to promote the development of new connectivity technologies, contributing to the expansion of access to quality internet," reports José Luís Gordon, Director of Productive Development, Innovation and Foreign Trade at the Bank.

BNDES FUST Program - Since October 2023, BNDES has approved R$ 1.865 billion under BNDES Fust, intended for 54 companies of different sizes, including MPMEs. In direct operations (in which BNDES acts directly by evaluating and approving projects), there were 22 projects in 866 municipalities in 26 states, in the five regions of the country. As regards indirect operations (in which there is a transfer of resources through accredited financial institutions), 32 small-scale providers were supported. In the context of connected education, the supported projects envisage the expansion of broadband internet to 300 public schools, benefiting more than 41.4 thousand students.

Created by Law 9.998/00, the Fund for the Universalization of Telecommunications Services (Fust) aims to expand access to quality internet, especially in regions with limited supply. Managed by BNDES, the fund funds projects that bring fixed and mobile broadband connectivity to underserved urban, rural and remote areas. The program is intended for clients eligible for BNDES Fust, which include regularly constituted telecommunications service providers and other public and private entities whose activity is compatible with the purpose of the project.

About the Ired Group - The Ired Group was born from the merger of Delta Internet and Persis Internet, bringing together tradition, innovation and expertise in the telecommunications sector. With more than 27 years of experience in providing internet services, the group has consolidated itself as a reference in connectivity in northern Paraná, operating in more than 25 municipalities in the region.

Headquartered in the city of Maringá (PR), the Ired Group in this project is represented by ONN Multimídia Ltda, the company responsible for the operation and owner of the network infrastructure that enables the services provided. Ired shares a commitment to excellence, technological innovation and quality service.

Ired Group's mission is to bring high-quality, high-speed internet access, promoting digital inclusion, regional development and new opportunities for homes, businesses and public institutions. Its continuous investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure contributes to transforming the digital reality of thousands of Paranaeans.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on August 1, 2025)