ICT Tender: Mexico prepares to launch tender for digital school program

Mexico's ministry of education (SEP) will publish guidelines in January for a tender to supply ICT equipment, support, monitoring activities and connectivity to at least 1,200 schools for a three-year period.

The tender is part of the Aprende 2.0 initiative, which was developed by the SEP and transport and communications ministry (SCT). In addition to training schoolchildren in the use of ICT, the program also involves improving digital skills among teachers. Although the tender seeks to equip 1,200 schools, the goal of the program is to digitalize 3,000 learning facilities around the country.

According to the SEP, the project is divided into six units, five of which will consist of equipping schools with 20 devices for students, a computer for the teacher and another one for the principal, as well as providing connectivity.

The tender will have a strong focus on ensuring internet access. While most participating elementary schools are part of the Mexico Conectado program, the limited bandwidth does not allow for all students to connect simultaneously, according to daily Reforma.

Mexico Conectado, which seeks to provide public internet connectivity, is now present in every Mexican state, but the proposed budget cuts for this program have generated concern among ICT associations.