From Peru and the Dominican Republic come reminders that much of Latin America still lacks digital connectivity. However, in both countries, efforts are under way to provide it.
The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), and a number of other bodies have launched a project to bring digital connectivity to 26 municipalities in the country that do not have fixed networks for internet access.
The project planned consists of the deployment of internet access networks nationwide – specifically fibre to homes. Training programmes in digital skills will also be offered to inhabitants of some of the targeted municipalities.
The project reflects the aims of a government decree of October 2020, which declares the essential right of universal access to broadband internet of high national interest.
The project could benefit more than 250,000 households, though it appears to have no timetable yet.
In Peru meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has transferred more than 23 million soles (just under US$6 million) to 25 regional governments. These resources are to be used for the service, operation and maintenance of telecommunications systems during 2022 for the benefit of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
This is said to be part of a decentralization of budget resources to make it easier for regional authorities to improve and strengthen communications in the interior of the country – notably in those areas with limited or no telecommunications services.
The General Directorate of Policies and Regulation in Communications is responsible for ensuring that the approved resources are used for the purposes stated although, again, there appears to be no specific timeline.
