The advance of fintechs and the advent of pix (no-charge online transfer) have accelerated the use of digital banking in the country. But in many places people are still not internet banking users. The lack of technological infrastructure in the most remote regions, the scarcity of money to hire mobile internet and digital illiteracy are still major obstacles to digital banking inclusion in Brazil.

In this scenario, the closing of a bank branch can cause the bankruptcy of a city. This is because people who do not use internet banking commute to the nearby city when they need to withdraw money. And consequently, they end up using their money there.

Fulfilling its purpose of "Caring for what is valuable to the people", Banco do Brasil, in a partnership with the Ministry of Communications, has installed free wi-fi antennas in 138 cities where the population had low digital maturity and Banco do Brasil branches were being closed. Quick courses on financial education were the key to the free internet access. Online gaming sessions and a virtual reality exhibition at the Cultural Center expanded the possibilities of connecting to the world.

We have identified small Brazilian cities with low digital maturity where Banco do Brasil bank branches were being closed and we have installed free wi-fi antennas. To access the free internet, people were required to watch quick content about financial education. During the week that the signal was released, a structure to promote digital acculturation was assembled in central areas of the cities. Online game sessions and a cultural experience in virtual reality presented the opportunities to connect to the world. Local schools received cardboards so that children could experience and share with their parents the virtual visit to the Cultural Center of Banco do Brasil.

Banco do Brasil mapped out 138 Brazilian cities where bank branches were being closed and installed free wi-fi antennas, which could be accessed after watching quick financial education content. More than 2.2 million people benefited.

We carried out activations in each of the cities to promote engagement and digital acculturation of the local population. In the central square of each city, a truck with online game sessions and a virtual reality exhibition promoted digital literacy and presented the opportunities of connection to the world.

Schools in the region received cardboards. The children visited the exhibition virtually and shared the experience with their parents. The action that ran on "word of mouth" won the local media headlines and the Brazilian's classrooms organically. We were able to show that if you can play games with others or visit a museum without leaving your city, you can also go to the bank.

"Connection" has installed more than 1000 wi-fi antennas in 138 Brazilian cities, ensuring free internet access for 2.2 million people. The initiative caught the attention of local media vehicles, which in turn have reverberated to national media, resulting in R$ 15 million of spontaneous media.

The research showed a high level of satisfaction:

- 94.5 was the overall satisfaction level regarding the initiative

- 84.69% of the users evaluated the quality of the Internet as excellent

- 84.17% considered the action very interesting for society

We also ensured good results for the brand and its business objectives:

- 99.64% recognized Banco do Brasil as the promoter of the action

- Among customers, 86.03% of respondents intend to expand their relationship with the brand

- Among the non-customers, 82.86% expressed their intention to become a client of Banco do Brasil