This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Dominican Republic: Codetel extends rural broadband Print E-mail
Monday, 18 February 2008

Indotel, the Dominican Republic's telecommunications regulator, awarded a contract to fixed line operator Codetel to build broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

Codetel, a subsidiary of América Móvil, chose not to accept the government subsidy of US$ 4.65 million and will finance the project independently. Twenty operators competed for the project. Centennial Dominicana was the only bidder other than Codetel eligible to participate in the final round of the auction, but chose not to bid. The project will provide telephony and internet access to about 1.5 million people living in approximately 500 communities in the poorest areas of the country.

Codetel is the country’s largest fixed and mobile operator, as such, it was not considered a surprise that they won the contract, Miguel Rosario of consultancy Rosario Hiche said. Codetel intends to use a combination of UMTS, ADSL, WiFi and WiMax to complete the project. Claro, Codetel’s mobile arm, is licensed to offer 800MHz CDMA and 1900MHz GSM, so could offer wireless access over its mobile networks. However, Rosario believes WiMax would be the most appropriate technology choice. Three companies rolled-out mobile WiMAX services last October in the Dominican Republic.

Indotel has now built 650 digital access and training centres. On February 14, the company opened three new training centres.

Source: Business News Americas - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.