MTC has zero cost for the use of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network in 180 provinces

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) approved the rule that provides a zero cost for the use of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network in hospitals, schools and police stations in 180 provincial capitals, which will have connectivity and high-speed internet.

This occurs within the framework of the new public policy impulse with which the Government, according to Law No. 29904, seeks to achieve an inclusive and equitable digital transformation, through a “more efficient State at the service of all Peruvians. ”.

Carlos Sotelo, Vice Minister of Communications, explained that the zero cost refers to the use of data transport associated with connectivity from the Lima node to the country’s regions, and among other benefits include the efficient use of the internet, better connectivity, reduction of prices and greater efficiency of the state.

“It will allow them to significantly increase their high-speed internet and intranet connection capacity to provide better services to citizens, prioritizing tele-education, telehealth, national defense, security, culture and research,” the official remarked.

In the same way, Sotelo López argued that the cost is zero because the State owns the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network and “is paying all the investment, operation and maintenance costs, and would not have to assume any additional expenses.”

“The investment commitment has been made five years ago, whether or not the Dorsal Network is used, although currently only 5% of its capacity was being used. This situation generated great economic losses, opportunities, socio-economic development and economic reactivation for the country ”, he specified.

Finally, he said that, through the Vice Ministry of Communications, the MTC continues to work for Peru to bet on being a leading communications country in Latin America.

“As everyone knows, our backbone network has been in operation since 2016, and to date, it has been in operation for five years. However, its effective use has not been carried out, to the extent that there were normative and regulatory obstacles that the current administration has been eliminating ”, he commented.