Intel eyes Colombia

By Suzanne Deffree, Managing Editor, News -- 12/4/2007

Intel Corp. is continuing its Intel World Ahead Program in Colombia, today announcing activities and updating ongoing plans for the country at an event celebrating the company’s 10 year anniversary there.

"Intel has been working with Colombia's government and community leaders for a decade to accelerate access to technology that will expand opportunities for Colombians," said Craig Barrett, Intel chairman and chair of the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Development, in a statement. "By increasing access to computers, connectivity and rich local content we can improve entrepreneurship, education, healthcare and government services for all citizens."

At the event, Barrett launched the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Colombia, an annual competition to encourage young people to excel in math and science. The executive also announced at the event that more than 20,000 teachers have been trained through the Intel Teach Program. Launched in Colombia in 2005, the program trains teachers to integrate technology in the curriculum for enhanced classroom learning.

Intel also updated its efforts on PC access and connectivity in Colombia, reporting that more than 100 kiosks have been set up at small retailers called "tiendas.” The project was developed by a local organization called Internet Masivo Para Todos (IMPAT), with support from Colombia's Ministry of Communications and Intel. Using government funding, IMPAT hires ex-combatants from Colombia's 40-year-old armed conflict to maintain the kiosks once they are installed. IMPAT plans to deploy 90,000 of the shared-access kiosks throughout Colombia during the next 3 years.

"At the rate of one ex-combatant hired to maintain every 25 kiosks, we hope the IMPAT project can eventually create jobs for thousands of people," said Mauricio Freydell, IMPAT's chairman of the board, in the statement. "This is a positive step toward solving a problem that is a high priority for our government."

Intel also said it continues to support Avantel, a local telecom provider, in its efforts to provide WiMax service in Colombia. According to the company, more than 43,000 households now use WiMax to get online, accounting for 4.5 percent of the country's total broadband connections.

Intel's offices in Colombia are the headquarters for the company's operations in the Andean zone, Central America, and the Caribbean.

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