INDOTEL deployed 1,080 public access WiFi networks across the entire country. Those WiFi were deployed in all public higher education campuses, over 90% of public hospitals, all public transportation systems, public parks and plazas, public offices that offer citizen services, public libraries, among others. This was all done in collaboration with the three main internet service providers (ISP) of the DR, Claro, Altice and Wind. With these 3 companies, INDOTEL converted pending responsibilities into this project. Each ISP was responsible for the deployment, operation and maintenance of the 1,080 networks for a period of 3 years, at zero-cost for the government. Also, because of the experience and know-how of those ISPs, the entire deployment was made in just 18 months. The network has provided hundreds of thousands of Dominicans, free of charge, broadband connectivity wherever they are located, with presence in each of the 158 municipalities. In 2020, the network averaged 282,209 unique users, with highs of 550,000 users at the start of the year, and lows of 65,000 when the pandemic started. Those users, for 2020 alone, accounted for over 1,100 Terabytes of information which we estimated resulted in savings of over USD$4.9 million for those citizens that previously would have had to pay buy prepaid internet packages. This network also provided invaluable support during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing citizens to communicate with family members, carry on education and job requirements.

https://transparencia.indotel.gob.do/proyectos-y-programas/plan-bienal-de-proyectos-de-desarrollo-2017-2018/redes-wifi-de-acceso-en-lugares-publicos/

• Dominican Republic

• Youth
• Women
• The unemployed
• The poor
• Remote and rural communities

This project closes the digital divide by providing citizens universal access to the internet and could be replicated in each country by priorizing access and converting responsibilities, such as spectrum fees.

ISPs have the responsibility to maintain each network operational for 3 years. After that, we are working with them in creating a advertising platform that will sustain it.

This project is the core of the WSIS principle by ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer. All stakeholders worked together to improve nation-wide access to information and communication infrastructure and technologies as well as to information and knowledge. This project checks the main requirement that allows other initiatives such as digital economy and eGob to florish.