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InnovationNovember 6, 2006 / Number 7
A way of lifeBy Antonio Zárate
The transformation of Nuevo Leon into an Information Society implies guaranteeing that all groups of people have access to information and communications technologies (ICT). Only then will we be able to achieve comprehensive development in our community. In an Information Society, all citizens, regardless of their economic status or geographical location, have access to technology and know how to make use of it for their personal growth. This right was acknowledged by the United Nations Organization in the Declaration of Principles of the World Summit on Information Society, a document issued on May 12, 2004. With this in mind, the Nuevo Leon State Government has assumed the responsibility of implementing the necessary technological infrastructure to transform the community into a digital society. This does not mean the installation of antennas and computers alone, but offers training and makes available the use of computers and Internet to most members of society. Health, education, safety, the development of small and medium businesses, and the creation of an electronic government (e-government), are only a few of the fertile fields for the application of ICT. We are convinced that digital inclusion is an indispensable condition for the consolidation of the Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program, since it promotes active participation of all members of society.
Technology penetrates public spacesThe free wireless network installed at the Macroplaza and Parque Fundidora is the largest in Latin America.
In order to surf the internet, it is no longer necessary to go to an enclosed space with a tangled web of wires all around you. Those who own a portable computer with wireless connection, need only to go to the Macroplaza or Parque Fundidora, choose a comfortable place and travel through the world of information. That's all. Since September, Monterrey has the biggest free, wide-band, wireless network in all of Latin America. "By establishing this type of networks in busy public zones, we achieve our objective of closing the gap regarding the use of technology," explained Damaso Fernandez, General Director of Technology for the Government of Nuevo Leon. The WiFi network at Parque Fundidora was inaugurated on September 16 and covers a 200-acre area; a welcome addition to the 100 acres already covered by the Macroplaza network, which offers wireless service since mid 2005. Both networks are part of the Nuevo Leon Digital project, which consolidates all technological initiatives implemented by the Government of Nuevo Leon to facilitate the access of citizens to electronic media and the services it offers through its website (www.nl.gob.mx). "This service is completely free and is available to all citizens, without having to fill out electronic registration forms. Once they are connected, users may browse through Internet at speeds of up to 54 megabytes per second, depending on the capacity of each computer," expressed Fernandez. One of the advantages of these networks is that they operate with content filtering servers, to prevent access to music, video, and pornography sites. The project's third stage, scheduled for 2007, includes the installation of wireless networks both in Paseo Santa Lucia (covering 6 kilometers) and in the municipal centers of Southern Nuevo Leon. "To this date, the State Government's investments add up to half a million pesos," Fernandez points out. "Most of these resources were invested in the Macroplaza, since Parque Fundidora was equipped by the Axtel phone company," he added. "We are working in coordination with the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute because Nuevo Leon Digital provides significant support to the Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program," expressed Fernandez. "In the medium term," he says, "it will be necessary to join efforts with the Federal Government and Municipal authorities so that citizens can carry out all of their official procedures making use of the advantages offered by digital technology." 
Monterrey aims for total connectivity
The Monterrey Digital project marks the beginning of a new era of modernization and decentralization in the municipal government. Now, time and distance have taken on a new meaning. With almost 100 public spaces already enabled to offer free access to Internet through wireless networks, technology is closer every day to all citizens. To this, we must add other benefits: beginning in December, it will be possible to carry out 21 different municipal proceedings and services, through the www.monterrey.gob.mx website; the 072 Municipal Public Services line; 100 emergency buttons linked to the 066 line; 25 video cameras to improve safety; and digital maps of the city's infrastructure. The three Citizen Service Centers are a vital part of this project, since they are "branches" of City Hall and are equipped with technology to carry out more than 100 proceedings and services online. In addition, they offer free access to Internet, computer classes, and support to do school homework with computation equipment. After six months of operation, these centers have processed more than 25 thousand services. The most popular ones are driving licenses, public lamp repair, birth certificates, collection of plant and construction debris, park maintenance, payment of traffic violations, cleaning of empty lots, welfare, and pothole repair. 
"This project requires a total investment of 45 million pesos and represents a real step forward towards innovation with inclusion," stated Edgar Olaiz, former Monterrey Mayor, when he disclosed the details of Monterrey Digital. He added that the challenge is to help each resident of Monterrey take advantage of technology for his/her safety and education, and to be part of a more organized community that is working towards the goal of making Monterrey an International City of Knowledge. Because of the magnitude and benefits of this initiative, Monterrey obtained first place in the 3 rd Edition of the Latin American Award for Digital Cities. This contest was organized by the Latin American Association of Research Centers and Telecommunications Businesses (AHCIET). This organization, which consists of more than 50 telecommunications operators and businesses from Latin America and Spain, gave the award to Monterrey in the Big City category. The ceremony took place in Segovia, Spain, on October 26.
FROM HERE AND THEREAccess to Information Determines Social Well-beingA balanced development is only possible when information and communications technologies are available in all cities, in all homes and for all people.Access to information and communications technologies determines the level of development and the quality of life in today's societies. "Making access to information possible for all groups of people is indispensable in order to eliminate the socioeconomic barriers that hinder balanced growth in communities," stated Jose Natividad Gonzalez-Paras, State Governor, during his intervention in the Sixth Forum on Informatization of Cities in the Asia-Pacific Region. In this forum, which took place in Shanghai, China, October 18-19, Gonzalez-Paras emphasized that one of his Government priorities is to take advantage of digital technology to facilitate access to information in all municipal centers of Nuevo Leon. "We are working as a team, together with municipal governments, entrepreneurs, universities, and various citizens' organizations, to make digital inclusion a reality, which is one of the cornerstones of the Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program," he explained. Gonzalez-Paras was invited by the United Nations Organization (UNO), and Han Zheng, Shanghai's Mayor, and spoke before Chinese entrepreneurs, representatives of Nuevo Leon based businesses that operate in this Asian country, academicians, and government employees from various countries. He expressed that the installation of free, wideband networks in public places, such as parks, museums, libraries, and government buildings, is just one of the measures implemented by the State Government and Monterrey's Municipal Government to offer its citizens the advantages of using Internet. "Besides promoting access to the world of information, the objective is for citizens to make use of technology to carry out public services proceedings online," added Gonzalez-Paras. "In order to be a prosperous state and consolidate Monterrey as an International City of Knowledge, we must guarantee that each city, each home and each person are able to use information and communications technologies. Both the economic and social development of those living in Nuevo Leon depend on this," declared the State Governor.
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Dámaso Fernández 
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