PRBI, Inteco interconnect broadband networks
Critical Hub Networks President Carlo Marazzi
High speed Internet service available to residents of Puerto Rico’s central-eastern region is about to get a boost through the successful interconnection of the networks run by Critical Hub Networks, through its Puerto Rico Bridge Initiative, and the Central-Eastern Technological Initiative, known as Inteco.
“Inteco’s interconnection with the PRBI is central to our success in delivering broadband services to our region,” Inteco President Oscar Jiménez said, referring to the nonprofit’s $12.9 million project funded in February 2010 through a subvención from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Almost a year ago, the two entities announced plans to link networks to create network infrastructure that is essential to the region’s economic and social development and will ultimately benefit the areas of health care, education, and public safety in eight towns: Cayey, Cidra, Aguas Buenas, Gurabo, Caguas, Juncos, San Lorenzo, Las Piedras, Humacao and Naguabo.
“Inteco is working hard to bring broadband to an area of the island which has been traditionally underserved. We’re thrilled to support their project, and we welcome Inteco network as a peering partner of the Puerto Rico Bridge Initiative,” said Critical Hub President Carlo Marazzi. “The peering of Inteco with PRBI will bring faster broadband speeds to Puerto Rico’s east coast communities.”
Aside from its collaborative agreement with Inteco, the PRBI has entered into interconnection agreements with 16 broadband wholesale and last mile solution providers to support economic development and broadband expansion efforts in the island.
“The PRBI’s goal is to establish local peering between all of Puerto Rico’s broadband providers — including traditional wired broadband, fixed wireless and mobile broadband services,” Marazzi said. “As Puerto Rico’s broadband networks upgrade to be able to deliver faster speeds, local peering becomes essential.”
In April 2010, Critical Hub was awarded $25.7 million in ARRA funds through the NTIA for the PRBI to bring fast, affordable broadband service to all of Puerto Rico.
