INDOTEL-UASD partnership to enhance higher education connectivity

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL) and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) have joined forces through an inter-institutional agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity levels and access to digital resources across higher education centers in all four regions of the country.

At the heart of this collaboration is the “UASD Conectada” project, spearheaded by INDOTEL with an investment of USD$7.6 million, secured through financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Nelson Arroyo, President of the INDOTEL Board of Directors, and Editrudis Beltrán, Rector of the UASD, officially signed the agreement, marking a significant milestone in advancing the digital transformation of higher education in the country.

Arroyo emphasized the agreement’s significance, highlighting its role in providing quality internet access to UASD students, aligning with the Dominican government’s vision of promoting productive ICT use and technological advancement.

Expressing gratitude, Beltrán underscored the project’s potential to bridge the digital divide and deliver free, high-quality connectivity to students across UASD campuses.

The “UASD Conectada” project will focus on deploying broadband network infrastructure and WiFi-6 wireless internet in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Pedro de Macorís, and San Francisco de Macorís. Over 100,000 students stand to benefit directly from improved connectivity, enhancing their educational experience and bolstering research, innovation, and digital inclusion efforts in higher education.

The agreement also entails the establishment of a digital ecosystem integrating advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing into the teaching-learning process.

Additionally, a Network Operations Center (NOC) will be set up to centrally monitor and manage infrastructure, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and network security.

Key Technical Components:

• Access Network (LAN/WLAN): Implementation of advanced wireless infrastructure to support digital educational tools.
• Connectivity Network (WAN): Establishment of high-capacity fiber optic links connecting UASD campuses for efficient data transmission.
• Network Operations Center (NOC): Centralized monitoring and management for enhanced efficiency and security.

The signing ceremony was attended by INDOTEL directors and higher education authorities, signifying a collaborative commitment to advancing connectivity and digital transformation in Dominican higher education.