Honduras News - Daily News about Honduras

Two distinguished former presidents of Honduras, Rafael Leonardo Callejas and Ricardo Maduro, are joining a new commercial venture that targets the growing demand for communications and Internet service by Central America’s rural areas.

WiTEL, the new company that will develop this pioneering wireless network, has been created by QTEL Americas and AMLA Consulting.

QTEL has an established presence in the region deploying secure wireless backbones for government and corporate clients. Using its proprietary multi-tier, wireless broadband concept, WiTEL will establish partnerships with local companies to deliver affordable voice and Internet access across the underserved areas of Central America. By using 802.11 technology for the “last mile,” service can be provided for a fraction of the cost of traditional landline or cellular service.

WiTEL will offer community-access “hot spots” to enable communications in rural areas.

Rafael Leonardo Callejas, President of Honduras from 1990 to 1994, will serve as chairman of the board. President Callejas is a strong advocate of developing affordable communication options for the region’s low income families. President Callejas said, “WiTEL’s vision — that universal communications and Internet coverage in Central America are not only desirable, but achievable and profitable – is vital to the future of Central America.”

In addition, Ricardo Maduro, President of Honduras from 2002 to January 2006, will serve as Senior Advisor to facilitate implementation of educational applications through the network.

WiTEL’s wireless backbone provides a channel for the delivery of vital social services, such as distance learning and telemedicine, to underserved and isolated rural areas.

The ability of the WiTEL network to aid governments and other organizations in increasing services to rural communities using the applications developed jointly by QTEL Americas and AMLA Consulting is an integral part of the attractiveness of the venture to governments and existing telecoms providers.

President Maduro noted, “WiTEL is the solution for breaking the isolation of many of Central America’s communities. The combination of QTEL’s technology and AMLA’s in-depth knowledge of our region’s social needs means that WiTEL can be the vehicle for giving people the education and health opportunities that they need for a prosperous future. This innovative venture will produce value for the people of Central America, as well as for our investors.”

WiTEL’s initial focus, including development of a pilot, will be Honduras. It also plans to develop networks in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama and will leverage QTEL’s existing network Costa Rica.

John Puente, the President of QTEL Americas, concluded: “Our efforts to develop world class health and educational applications have been rewarded by the trust, commitment, and engagement of President Callejas and President Maduro. With their leadership and counsel, I am confident that WiTEL will help write a new chapter in Central America’s development.”