Copec taps Starlink's satellite Internet to connect stations in Chile

The retailer teamed up with the SpaceX subsidiary to connect 74 outlets to the satellite network and offer free Wi-Fi to its customers and neighbors.

Copec has partnered with SpaceX’s subsidiary, Starlink, to deploy satellite Internet throughout its fuel retail network. The brand will connect 74 service stations across Chile to provide free Wi-Fi services to customers and neighbors.

The first antenna is set to be deployed in the city of Villa Cerro Castillo to then roll out the service in areas with poor accessibility. This innovation also seeks to allow for faster transactions and increase digital services at forecourts.

"One of this system’s main advantages is that it can provide a secure and stable connection in rural or remote locations, a decisive factor for us to make this decision in line with our role in Patagonia, which is to accompany people and contribute to local entrepreneurship," said Arturo Natho, General Manager of Copec.

In a recent interview with Argentinian news site Surtidores, the company specified that its main goal is to provide connectivity to rural or remote areas throughout the country. César Valdés, Manager of Technology at Copec, stated that the solution has already been deployed in 17 stations and they are currently working on connecting another nine sites to complete the 27 stations of the Chilean Patagonia.

Starlink already has coverage across some areas of Chile and Brasil while the service is available in Peru, Paraguay, Colombia and Ecuador. Both Argentina and Bolivia’s availability will be completed throughout 2023.