DIGITAL LIBRARY
EVALUATION OF INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF NORTE DE SANTANDER (COLOMBIA): COVERAGE, QUALITY AND ACCESS GAPS
1 Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana (COLOMBIA)
2 Universidad de Pamplona (COLOMBIA)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN26 Proceedings
Publication year: 2026
Article: 0160
ISBN: 978-84-09-88444-5
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2026.0160
Conference name: 18th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 29 June-1 July, 2026
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
Access to internet connectivity is a determining factor in ensuring equitable and quality educational processes, especially in regional contexts with limited technological infrastructure. This study analyzes the current state of internet connectivity in educational institutions in the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia, based on information collected from 254 public schools. The analysis focuses on variables such as connection type, service availability, bandwidth capacity, stability, and coverage, in order to identify technological gaps that affect academic and administrative development.

The methodology employed is quantitative and descriptive, based on the processing and analysis of data provided by official entities in the education sector. The results reveal a marked inequality in internet access between urban and rural areas, with the latter experiencing greater limitations in speed, service continuity, and access technologies. Furthermore, a significant dependence on low-capacity connectivity technologies is identified, which restricts the effective implementation of digital educational platforms and online learning resources.

The study also reveals that, although a significant proportion of institutions have some form of internet access, the quality of service is not always sufficient to support pedagogical activities based on information and communication technologies (ICTs). These deficiencies negatively impact educational innovation, digital inclusion, and the development of technological skills in students and teachers.

The findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies aimed at improving educational connectivity infrastructure, prioritizing areas with higher levels of vulnerability. This analysis provides a technical basis for decision-making in projects to expand and improve internet service in the regional education sector.
Keywords:
Digital divide, Communication, Connectivity, Internet, Information, Technology.