Indotel highlights digital connectivity as key to Dominican Republic’s economic growth

Punta Cana.- The president of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), Guido Gómez Mazara, said digital connectivity has become a strategic driver of competitiveness, investment, social inclusion, and economic development across the Caribbean.

Speaking at the opening of the 41st Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO) in Punta Cana, Gómez Mazara said the Dominican Republic is working to transform its production model through greater investment in technological infrastructure and the digital economy.

He highlighted plans to invest more than US$500 million in digital exchange infrastructure, expand international connectivity through submarine cables, and advance the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. He also pointed to efforts to develop domestic AI capabilities and integrate the Dominican Republic into global semiconductor value chains.

Gómez Mazara said Indotel is also focused on expanding 4G and 5G networks, managing the radio spectrum, reducing the digital divide, and promoting greater competition in the telecommunications sector.

He stressed that regulation should help attract investment while ensuring that telecommunications services remain affordable and accessible, preventing people from being excluded from the digital economy because of cost, geography, or lack of digital skills.

The official also highlighted Indotel’s formal incorporation into CANTO, marking its first annual participation as a member of the regional association. He described cooperation among Caribbean countries as essential to addressing technological challenges and sharing regulatory experiences.

The CANTO conference, held August 9–12 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, brings together regional stakeholders to discuss connectivity, innovation, investment, regulation, and digital competitiveness.