Colombia. Of the 50 articles that make up the ICT modernization bill that was approved by the Colombian Congress, a total of 37 underwent modifications during the nine months it lasted. Proposals that were discussed and approved by the subcommittees of both chambers and by the Government, with the purpose of strengthening the mechanisms of modernization and connectivity of the country.
One of the main issues of the project is related to the granting of permits for the use of spectrum for up to 20 years, a proposal that received the support of majorities in the House and Senate, and that will bring quality connectivity to about 20 million Colombians in the most remote areas of the country.
A second important aspect of the project is related to the creation of a modern and independent regulatory body, consisting of two decision-making rooms that will resolve issues separately, thus eliminating the current National Television Authority (ANTV).
The first room is the Audiovisual Content Commission that will deal with matters related to information pluralism and the defense of the viewer, and the second is the Communications Commission that will be in charge of technical and market regulation.
The Audiovisual Content Commission will be composed of three members: two elected by public competition organized by universities, and one appointed by regional channels; while the Communications Commission will be composed of the Minister of ICT, a commissioner appointed by the President of the Republic, and three members who will be elected by merit contest (carried out by the Public Function), for a total of five members.
A third issue is related to the strengthening of Colombian public television, as it gives them new resources not only to improve their administrative management but also to expand the generation of quality content for Colombians, especially those produced from the regions.
For the Minister of ICT, Sylvia Constaín, with the approval of the initiative it was shown that "what we want is a connected country in which a child from the city and one who is in a remote hamlet, have the same opportunities thanks to connectivity. That's equity!"
"We are a country of regions that need to be seen as a focus of development and that was understood by the House of Representatives. That is why we traveled the country listening to the needs of the people, of the communities, of those who most need a more agile, effective and efficient presence of the State, where connectivity represents the key that opens the doors of the world to us, "said the minister.
The official said that this project is a challenge that will allow all Colombians to have quality internet, "in their homes, on their farms, in hospitals, in schools. This is a project inspired by international standards. The OECD and UNESCO have recognized it as a necessary advance for Colombia to have conditions of equity," he added.
According to Constaín, with the decision taken by the Chamber, the possibility of being able to triple the speed of internet connection is further opened, which would increase GDP per capita by up to 18%, according to the National Planning Department (DNP).
