USD 2 Billion for telecommunications

Indotel, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications have announced that over the next four years, they plan to spend US$ 2 billion improving the telecommuncations structure in the Dominican Republic.
The announcement was made by Dr. Rafael Vargas, president of Indotel on May 21.Vargas will continue as president of Indotel until August, but it is not known whether he will be re-appointed.
During 2004-2008, Indotel focussed on installing computer centers across the country. So far 700 have been set up, and it is expected that by the end of 2008 the number will reach 972 across 32 provinces.
According to statistics provided by Indotel, they have set up 264,284 internet accounts for members, of which 55,077 are dial-up and 107,00 are DSL.
Residential internet users now total 632,124, and there are 906,485 fixed telephone lines split between residential, business, public telephone and WLL, and 5.5 million mobile phone users.
Vargas says that providing telecommunication to rural communities is extremely important, and Codetel were recently awarded a contract to providfe Rural Connectivity to an estimated 503 communities so far.
Vargas also wants to see more sub-marine cables set up to provide the Dominican Republic with more links to the outside world.
Indotel are also experimenting with new wireless technologies, particularly in the 400Mhz to 900Mhz frequencies
And Digital TV to the DR? It may happen as early as 2009 if talks with providers go well.