An agreement signed between the Dominican Telecom Institute (Indotel) and the President's Office for Technology of Information and Communication (Optic) is designed to provide citizens with easier access to government services by linking their services. It will provide a call center allowing people to access information and get assistance  regarding documents, procedures and dealing with governmental red tape.

Optic director Domingo Tavarez says that since its inception in August 2006, the GOB system has received over 4 million calls, averaging approximately 11,000 per day. Operators give excellent, professional and courteous service in 31 different areas. He feels the implementation of the *GOB (*462) center "will bring the citizens closer to their government."

At this time 36 additional government agencies still need to be integrated into the system. Next on the list are the Interior and Police and Foreign Ministries, Civil Defense and Education.

Indotel president Jose Rafael Vargas says the agreement with Optic allows users to obtain information on telephone, cable and internet service requirements, file complaints of wiretapping, TV and radio interference and other services provided by Indotel.

On an unrelated topic, Vargas noted that in a joint effort with police a 50% reduction in stolen cellphones being reactivated has been achieved.