The backbone networking equipment will be housed in Miami's Technology Center of the Americas. Latin American universities and research facilities that choose to participate in the Americas Path consortium will pay the consortium both a connection fee and a membership fee, Mr. Gloster says. Internet2 members pay similar fees. Institutions may also have to pay local connection charges. Greg H. Wood, director of communications for the Internet2 consortium, says the new link to Latin America will serve a useful purpose.
Scientists have to collaborate, and teachers and students connect across national boundaries.