Telecom announces major broadband rollout initiative

State-controlled national PTO Telecom Colombia is to embark on a major expansion of its broadband network, boosting coverage from just three cities presently to 37 by the end of 2005. Moreover, the company says it aims to improve its performance on providing dial-up access, reaching 31 cities by that date, compared to six today. Telecom plans to invest COP57 billion (USD21.6 million) in achieving its target – including the COP37 billion internet investment plan already announced – as part of a wider COP217 billion capex for 2004. By the end of 2005 Colombia will have 930 municipalities with dial-up access, 378 of which will benefit from flat rate tariffs or other price reduction plans.