BNamericas is reporting that Dominican Republic start-up Espinal Technology Group (ETG) has launched its triple-play service, with the operator claiming that it is the first to offer internet services that are available through normal televisions. ‘Here each television is being converted into a computer screen allowing residents to access real time information from around the world,’ an ETG executive said. The service will initially be available in the remote community of Restauracion, with customers able to access 110 TV channels, videoconferencing and internet access. Indotel, the Dominican telecoms regulator, has revealed that ETG has invested USD7.5 million on the project. The newcomer is also planning to provide free internet to some schools in the town. ETG has been awarded a licence by Indotel to begin services in 500 communities in 16 provinces across the country, with the proviso that the towns are isolated communities with zero or limited access to telephony and broadband internet services. A further 509 rural communities will benefit from a second broadband project that is also underway by incumbent Codetel.

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