The Ministry of Digital Transformation wants to turn Ukrainian libraries into digital hubs, but the lack of Internet interferes

The Ministry seriously thought about turning all Ukrainian libraries into digital hubs with access to fiber-optic Internet. Only 954 libraries out of 16,038 of the total are connected to optics. That is, 92% of libraries do not have high-quality Internet, and this means that access to content in them is significantly limited, the press service of the ministry said.

– In Ukraine, there are 16 thousand libraries. And they can become the place where Ukrainians will be able to master digital skills, use electronic services from the state or pay for a communal apartment. A library can become a digital hub only if there is Internet from 100 Mbps, visitors have free access to WiFi, and modern computers. It is under such conditions that people will be able to get high-quality content and make full use of online services”, – the ministry said.

At the same time, in Ukraine, only 4662 libraries out of 16038 are connected to any technology – this is 29%. The only exception is Kyiv, where 90% of libraries have Internet access. 3733 libraries have access to Wi-Fi networks. Only 954 libraries of the total number are connected to the optics.

What is being done to remedy the situation:

Connecting libraries to high-quality Internet will be included in the National Plan for the Development of Broadband Internet Access (Broadband Internet Access), which is being developed by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

The Ministry of Figures in May signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Digital Transformation, the Internet Association of Ukraine and the public organization “All-Ukrainian Public Organization Ukrainian Library Association”. Participants are ready to consider social projects for connecting libraries in small towns.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation is computerizing libraries thanks to the “Action. Digital education” education project with the assistance of the Ukrainian Library Association and the assistance of socially responsible business. 5000 computers are already being transferred to libraries.

REFERENCE “KP”:

Broadband Internet access is available inside the building (fiber optic) and outside (twisted pair). At the same time, twisted pair connection technology can give Internet distribution up to 100 Mbit / s and Internet speed will be shared between all connected users, and when Wi-Fi is connected, some will take over the router and share between all connected devices and the speed will drop. Twisted pair can not transmit more than 100 Mbit, and fiber can transmit 1000, and the speed will not be divided into all subscribers and connected devices.

Allocate mobile broadband access (mobile broadband access) and fixed broadband access. Fixed broadband is built on the basis of wired connections, while mobile broadband includes the transfer of data over wireless connections.