EACE's Connected Learning Program selects suppliers to bring broadband, solar power, and high-speed internet to remote rural schools throughout Brazil

EACE launches a new phase of the Connected Learning Program to boost access to solar energy and internet in rural schools, strengthening digital inclusion and sustainable education in Brazil.

Digital inclusion in Brazilian public schools received a decisive boost with the announcement made by the Ministry of Communications and by EACE (Entity Administering School Connectivity), according to an article published by the website A Notícia do Ceará this Thursday (13).

O Connected Learning Program This November, the selection process opened for suppliers who will install the systems. solar energy, broadband and Wi-Fi network infrastructure in rural schools difficult to access, promoting a revolution in national basic education.

EACE seeks R$ 1,3 billion to connect 16 schools.

According to EACE, public education in Brazil is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digital inclusion. The initiative seeks to guarantee equal opportunities for students in regions historically excluded from access to technology.

The project, which integrates National Strategy for Connected Schools (Enec), provides for the application of R $ 1,3 billion in technological infrastructure. The goal is to connect 16.300 public schools in rural, indigenous, quilombola (Afro-Brazilian), and peripheral areas, distributed throughout all Brazilian states.

According to data released by EACE, by November 2025, the program had already implemented connectivity in 11.282 schools, 1419 solar generators They were already in operation, guaranteeing energy autonomy for institutions without access to the conventional electricity grid.

Connected Learning Program: pillars of educational transformation

O Connected Learning Program It is implemented by EACE and supervised by the School Connectivity Project Cost Monitoring Group (GAPE). Its main pillars include:

• High-speed connectivityInstallation of broadband internet in public schools.
• Wi-Fi network infrastructureComplete coverage of school environments.
• Solar energy systemsSustainable electricity supply to ensure continuous operation of equipment.
• Technical capacitationSupport for managers and teachers in the use of technology.

Launched in 2022, the program aims to connect 40 schools by 2026, prioritizing those located in rural, indigenous, quilombola communities and peripheral areas. With technology, learning becomes more inclusive, dynamic, and connected to the world.

Rural schools at the heart of the EACE strategy.

The priority of the selection process is to meet the needs of the community. rural schools and hard-to-reach communities, where the lack of basic infrastructure compromises learning. Bringing connectivity to these schools is to guarantee dignity and a future for thousands of children and young people.

The Northeast currently leads in the number of schools connected by the project. In recent months, 4.225 new schools have been included, directly benefiting 388.602 students. In the state of Ceará, 355 schools are served, of which 294 are located in rural areas.

The national goal is to reach 17.023 schools by 2026, with particular emphasis on the following states: Maranhão (5.509 schools planned), Bahia (4.222), Pernambuco (1.825), Ceará (1.425), Paraíba (1.221), Piauí (1.124), Alagoas (623), Rio Grande do Norte (555), and Sergipe (520). Furthermore, the initiative contributes to reducing regional inequalities, promoting digital and social inclusion in historically marginalized territories.

Solar energy: sustainability and autonomy for public schools

The adoption of solar energy Having a primary source of electricity is one of the project’s distinguishing features. In addition to reducing operational costs, the technology ensures energy independence for schools in areas without a stable electrical grid.

The application of this technology in public schools represents an advance in the sustainability and efficiency of educational services. Clean and renewable energy is an essential part of the educational transformation promoted by EACE.

The public call opened by EACE seeks companies specializing in:

• Installation of photovoltaic systems.
• High-speed internet connection.
• Implementation of school Wi-Fi networks.

The selection includes 10.551 teaching units em 23 Brazilian statesincluding Acre, Alagoas, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, among others. Interested companies must submit technical and commercial proposals by the deadline stipulated in the call for proposals, available on the EACE website.

Proposals must be submitted by November 30th at 18 PM via the Nimbi platform, which can be accessed directly through the EACE website. The Request for Proposal (RFP) document, containing detailed instructions about the selection process, is also available on the same portal.

The selection process will be conducted using rigorous criteria of quality, efficiency, and technical capacity, aiming to guarantee the delivery of services with excellence and within the established deadlines. 

Expected impacts on basic education in Brazil

School connectivity has a direct impact on the quality of education. Studies show that internet access improves student performance in reading, math, and science.

Furthermore, digitization allows:

• Access to remote learning platforms.
• Use of multimedia resources in the classroom.
• Continuing teacher training.
• More efficient school management.

With connectivity, the school becomes a more interactive, modern environment, better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The initiative also strengthens student retention in school, reduces dropout rates, and expands opportunities for personalized learning.

The Connected Learning Program and its logistical challenges.

Despite the progress, the project faces challenges such as:

• Installation logistics in remote areas.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Training local professionals for technical support.

However, the partnership between the government, EACE, and suppliers promises to overcome these barriers through planning and innovation. Integrated action between the federative entities and the contracted companies will be essential for the success of the initiative.

Connected education as an engine for social development

The launch of the supplier selection process by Connected Learning Program This marks a decisive step in democratizing access to technology in rural schools Brazilian companies. With robust investment, focus on solar energy and quality connectivity, the initiative of EACE It represents a model of effective and sustainable public policy.

In the long term, the project is expected to contribute to the formation of more prepared, critical citizens integrated into the digital world, promoting economic and social development in all regions of the country.