Panama News

telegeography.com - BNamericas is reporting that the Panamanian government has guaranteed internet access for all citizens by 2012. Panama's innovation minister Gaspar Tarte announced the plans during the signing of the bill that requires all telecommunications firms to set aside 1% of earnings for connectivity projects in the country. It is understood that upgrades to existing internet infrastructure and the building of subsidized internet centres aimed at low-income residents are among the likely schemes that may be funded by the money raised. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, broadband subscriber figures in Panama were estimated at 119,300 at the end of 2007, representing a penetration of 3.6%.

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MRWOOHOO

This is a great example of how to move a country forward. I do feel that there needs to be a balance kept between the old culture as well as the new. Another one of the major bonuses of Panama is the availability of decent internet access across much of the country. It is probably the best in Latin America in regards to general internet availability. A person can go get lost is some jungle or "boondocks" anywhere in Latin America. In Panama you can get internet in allot of the "boondocks".

GordonS

Wonder how long it will take Microsoft to get the long-range wireless internet running. Panama is small enough that setting up country wide coverage shouldn't been a "show-stopper"

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Gordon and Randy,
Canada