USAID’s Macedonia Connects is a three-year activity which is providing Broadband Internet Connectivity to almost 550 elementary and secondary schools, research institutes, universities and dorms throughout the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia Connects work has resulted in Macedonia’s becoming the first all-wireless internet country in the world.
More than a year of intense activities has been completed on schedule. The government of the Republic of Macedonia, and both U.S. and Macedonian private companies, have been involved in the nationwide initiative.
Macedonia's overall development requires improved Internet access, particularly affordable broadband Internet for businesses, schools, individuals as well as local government units. The latest surveys show that the Internet penetration in Macedonia is 8%, which shows a lag behind other countries in Eastern Europe.
To assist the Government of the Republic of Macedonia in fostering economic growth and the increase of Internet penetration in the country, USAID through the Macedonia Connects project continues to provide broadband Internet access to schools and universities, in both rural and urban areas. This will create the conditions for delivery of Broadband Internet Connectivity to the education system as well as to the business community and the general public.
By making broadband internet connectivity available at a lower cost this project will increase the number of Internet users as well as foster the integration of ICT in spheres crucial for the development of the country. These services are being delivered by On.Net, a local provider procured through a competitive and transparent process.
The Government of Macedonia negotiated with Microsoft, resulting in a donation of over 6,000 licenses for a package of software which includes the XP Operating System, Microsoft Office, Frontpage, and Encarta. Microsoft also donated Microsoft Server.
This project is managed by the Academy for Educational Development (www.aed.org)
Contact Information
U.S.Agency for International Development
U.S Embassy, Samoilova 21,1000 Skopje, Macedonia
Telephone: +(389) 2 310 2000 Fax +(389) 2 310 2463
USAID Mission contact:
Natasha Buleska, AOTR
E-mail:nbuleska@usaid.gov
USAID Development Outreach and Communication office
Biljana Velickovska, DOC Specialist