Six of the leading companies in the field of information technology committed their participation in the development of a network that would be satellite-based so it will reach the whole region. The companies involved are AmeriSpace, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Oracle, led by Sun Microsystems.

The group is forming a consortium to undertake the development of the network. Other firms are invited to join the effort, generating an "open" architecture to allow a number of vendors to provide products and services in support of the network.

The educational content will be developed by countries supported by a consortium of development and academic institutions. UNESCO, in collaboration with specialized centers like MIT Media Lab, will spearhead the initiative.

Both consortia will work with five countries in the region initially in developing this network. A concept paper will be sent to all ministries of education within six weeks inviting participation. Countries will be asked to provide equipment and connectivity for the schools they wish to have participate, as well as adopt an education strategy to integrate technology, teacher training, evaluation and mentoring programs. The consortia will work with those five countries that offer the best opportunity to develop an effective digital network for education.

The Informatics 2000 Initiative is being coordinated by the IDB to bring the benefits of the information revolution to the region. This digital network is expected to greatly expand the availability of quality educational programming to poor and remote schools.