Ecuador Tech Recap: The Highlights of September 28 – October 4, 2026
The week of September 28 to October 4 had a bit of everything: a rule that now reaches any company using a chatbot with customer data, a new way to get signal where there are no towers and, to close, an energy measure that forces industry to plan for two days without power. In between, we spent three days recommending verified tools for three different audiences. At SimCodec we recap the highlights and what they mean for your business.
If you use AI with customer data, the SPDP already has rules
Resolution SPDP-SPD-2026-0009-R of Ecuador's Personal Data Protection Superintendency regulates the use of AI systems that process personal data in Ecuador, regardless of where the provider is. Among other things, it requires informing data subjects that their data is processed with AI, assessing the impact and recording that processing. We explained who it applies to and five points to check in your chatbot or WhatsApp agent.
CNT and Starlink: satellite signal on your phone
On September 29, CNT launched SatPower: when the phone cannot find a tower, it connects directly to Starlink satellites with no extra equipment. It starts with coverage across 82.4% of the territory and enables specific apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps and the ECU 911 app, not unlimited internet. We covered what works, what it costs and how it helps a company with people in the field.
Three days of verified tools
From October 1 to 3 we published one guide per audience, with the free limits checked on each tool's official site:
- For executives: four tools to automate tasks in your SME, from WhatsApp Business to n8n.
- For developers: GitHub Copilot Free, Claude Code, Ollama and the OWASP Top 10.
- For students: CS50, Elements of AI, the GitHub Student Developer Pack and TICEC 2026.
48-hour power cuts for industry
Since October 2, utilities have been notifying 9,089 high- and medium-voltage companies that they will face 48-hour disconnections over two weeks, to protect the Mazar reservoir in the dry season. For now, homes and shops are not included. We explained how to prepare servers, network and cameras before your outage block.
What's coming
- October: the SRI starts publishing the list of registered electronic invoicing system providers, updated monthly. It is worth checking that yours is on it.
- October 13: the first year of Microsoft's paid Windows 10 security update program for businesses ends.
- October 15 and 16: TICEC 2026 at Universidad Indoamérica in Ambato, with AI and cybersecurity on the agenda.
What this means for your SME
- Review your chatbot against the rule. If it serves customers with AI, your company has obligations even if the software belongs to someone else.
- Field teams get another option. For technicians, salespeople or drivers in areas without coverage, SatPower opens an alternative for messaging and location.
- Start with the free tiers. Many automations can be tested on free plans before investing.
- Have a plan for when the power goes out. Even if your company is not on the list, check the UPS, automatic shutdown and off-site backups.
How We Approach It at SimCodec
At SimCodec we work on this week's fronts: AI agents that comply with data protection, networks and connectivity for teams inside and outside the city, automation with tools sized to each SME, and infrastructure and cloud prepared for power cuts.
Want to assess which of this applies to your company? Write to us or call our AI assistant Cyntia at +593 99 726 6838.
