List of communities who participated in the selection process: Villages, Cities

What are the communities that took part to the selection process?

In the selection process could participate disadvantaged communities in terms of access to knowledge, which were classified in one of the following categories:

• First category: villages, located at least 11 km from the nearest town with over 30,000 inhabitants;

• Second category: small towns (with less than 30,000 inhabitants).

The disadvantage degree in terms of knowledge access, was assessed by participating communities using qualification matrix from the "Application folder". It was sent to local city hall after the "request for participation in the selection process" was completed until the August 23.

Benefits of local communities offered by the local Project

• Expanding access to modern information technologies and communications;

• Training of local human resources for information technology and communications field;

• Improving knowledge of using computers for selected communities citizens;

• Citizens and entrepreneurs access to e-government;

• Educational process improvement;

• Local business environment development by promoting e-commerce and innovative solutions.

In this sense, the project provided access to knowledge and financing necessary infrastructure.

Services offered by Project:

Basic services:

• Computer access;

• Internet access;

• Telephone services/fax;

• Multiplication/copying;

• Document scan

Specialized services and facilities:

• Public services provided through electronic resources, the teaching-learning computer-assisted services, business management and development by electronic services;

• Training and assistance for developing the local human resources;

• Provide grant funding to stimulate small and medium enterprises in technology and business development.

Infrastructure consisted in less than 4 nodes, equipped with latest generation IT equipment, connected to high speed Internet, as follows:

The project gave founds to connect equipment of high-speed Internet through communication devices: switches, routers, converters, etc. and paid Internet connections costs, technical assistance RECL, and trained the RECL manager and IT RECL manager. The project also provided one computer in secondary schools from the belonging villages.

What was the contribution of local communities ?

By their contribution, local communities expressed their determination to establish an long term dynamic partnership consisting the following:

1. Providing the spaces for the RECL

• a room in the townhall;

• the local library;

• a room in each of the schools from the village centers of the communities from the selection process;

• a separate location for the Public Information Access Point

All the above have been arranged according to technical requirements of the Project: multiple sockets, heating system, bathroom , system alarm , parquet / tiles, window type thermo, panels, ventilation system, light.

2. The charge for current expenses of operation and maintenance of the location (utilities, supplies, insurance, etc.).

3. The salary of network - staff RECL manager and IT RECL administrator.

The Ministry of Communications and Informational Society, together with the authorities examined the possibility of supporting local authorities in this regard.

Which were the stages of the selection process?

Phase I: The local authorities expressed interest to participate by completing and sending "Request to participate in the selection process;

Phase II: The local authorities received "Application folder" from Unit Management Project "Knowledge-based economy" by mail;

Phase III: The local authorities had established eligibility by applying the qualifications matrix contained in the file requested;

Phase IV: The local authorities completed "Application folder" and send it to Unit Management Project "Knowledge-based economy". In this phase, the mayors attached a copy of the decision of the Local Council which approved input of the Project in accordance with all conditions specified in the invitation to participate;

Phase V: the records requested were evaluated in accordance with the Project;

Phase VI: In the process of evaluation, have been selected a number of about 200 communities and a reserve list, in case proved that some of those selected have provided false information, or for some reason , the local contribution could not be made;

Phase VII: Ministry of Communications and Information Society - Unit Management of the Project sent to all participating communities the final results of the selection process.