Four new Free Digital Points have been launched in Bolívar province, Ecuador, as part of an initiative led by President Daniel Noboa’s administration to expand access to technology and digital services. The new centers are located in Santa Rosa de Totoras, Ungubí, and Las Guardias in San Miguel canton, as well as Vinchoa Grande in Guaranda. These facilities are expected to benefit more than 26,000 residents.
During a visit to the province, Ricardo Gutiérrez, Vice Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, officially opened the new centers. He stated: “A través de esta inauguración, estamos dando un paso más para reducir la brecha tecnológica, sobre todo en los lugares que históricamente han sido olvidados. Este es un Gobierno que cumple, y que cree firmemente que, brindar herramientas de conocimiento y capacitación, es brindar oportunidades que impulsan el desarrollo de las familias ecuatorianas.” (Translation: “Through this inauguration we are taking another step toward reducing the technology gap, especially in places that have historically been forgotten. This is a government that delivers and firmly believes that providing tools for knowledge and training is providing opportunities that drive the development of Ecuadorian families.”)
The Free Digital Points offer access to digital tools, training courses, and online state services for local citizens.
With these latest additions, Bolívar now has a total of 26 Free Digital Points. The expansion aims to promote digital inclusion and enhance technological skills among children, youth, adults and seniors.
Nationally since November 2023 these centers have registered 9.7 million visits and provided over 544 thousand training sessions across Ecuador. According to officials from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society (MINTEL), these figures highlight their impact on digital education and empowerment throughout the country.
The government reiterated its commitment to continue expanding such initiatives with the goal of improving quality of life through greater digital access.
