Colombia’s attempts to connect its poorer citizens to the internet have been recognized at the Global Mobile Awards.
The Andean nation is a favorite in the category of government leaders in the promotion of social use of technology, for its campaign to reduce the country’s digital divide.
Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication’s project Live Digital aims to reduce poverty through technology, and has increased the country’s number of internet connections from 2.2 to 5 million in less than a year.
It is the first time the country has been nominated for a Global Mobile Award, an international prize scheme which recognizes excellence and innovation in mobile communications.
Earlier this month, GSMA, the same organization which runs the awards, estimated the country would have 19 million mobile internet connections by 2015.
It is up against Bahrain, Krygystan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia for the prize, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in Barcelona on February 28.