Spanish postal services move into the internet era

The Spanish postal service (Correos) has recently opened up 4000 new ‘free access’ points to its virtual offices, with over 30000 terminals spread across Spain. Developed in co-operation with the state agency Red.es, this initiative is intended to further promote the information society in Spain.

The new postal service network, called ‘Telecentros’, will make it possible for more than 5 million citizens to access on-line postal services. The project is part of the postal services ‘Accessibility Plan’ which is being implemented progressively by Correos. The ‘Telecentres’ are of particular interest to people and businesses in small towns and rural areas. They comprise public centres, provided by the communes, that are equipped with computers and internet access. They are the result of long-term co-operation between the Spanish Ministry for Industry (through Red.es) and the local administrations.

The digital postal services (‘Correo digital’) provide a bridge between virtual and physical post: the user sends a letter by computer, then it is printed, put in an envelope and delivered to the addressee by the postal services. The system offers particular advantages for direct-marketing campaigns and for large-scale mailings – of greetings cards, for example.

The 4000 ePost offices will also act as eLearning points or ‘virtual classrooms’ for postal workers in rural areas and small towns who have had little opportunity to date to be initiated into the use of the internet. In 2005, the number of on-line courses provided by Correos to its employees made up 20% of the total number of training programmes – compared with 8% in 2004.

Also, through its portal www.correos.es, the Spanish postal services will help to promote take-up of the .es domain by offering the possibility of registering new names under this domain.

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Further information:
http://www.red.es/prensa/notas/marzo_06/06_03_02_correos.html