The Ministry of Information Technology and Communication (MinTIC) has kicked-off phase two of its ‘Vive Digital’ programme with the allocation of contracts to four consortia for the construction of 5,524 Vive Digital kiosks (KVDs) across six regions. The total investment from the government in the project reached COP551.527 billion (USD283.71 million). KVDs provide a range of ICT services including internet access, telephone and fax, as well as free training in the use of the equipment in towns of more than 100 inhabitants. MinTIC notes that: ‘farmers, fishermen, housewives, children, youths and the elderly in remote areas of the country are the main beneficiaries of this program that seeks to bring wealth and progress to the most remote areas of Colombia.’
The ‘Union Temporal KVD’ consortium, consisting of TV Azteca and Total Play, received contracts for the deployment of 1,753 kiosks in two regions, whilst Gilat’s Colombian units also received contracts for two regions, covering 1,903 KVDs. The ‘Union Temporal para Internet Kioscos (IPK)’ consortium, including Anditel and Accion, was tasked with deploying 1,220 KVDs in a single region, whilst a joint venture of Nec Colombia and Hispasat was awarded the contract for the construction of 648 KVDs in the final region.