Director of Telecommunications, Bennett Thomas, has challenged the telecommunications sector to increase local broadband access to 95% by January 2017.
The Telecoms Director was speaking at DIGICEL’s 10th anniversary celebrations on Friday, May 13th.
Thomas invited telecoms providers to work with the Government to establish a broadband strategy for the country.
“We actually have three players on the ground and they all seem to have fibre networks around the country so when we ask for a 95% penetration rate, that is possible by 2017.
“It would not far-fetched should Government anticipate even greater benefits to consumers- whether a reduction in per-minute charges, termination of roaming rates both locally and regionally and continued investment in national developmental activities and projects.”
Thomas stated that the growth of the telecoms market within the OECS has, that it possible opened up the sector.
He continued that the marketing approach of service providers which has accelerated the use of technology among citizens has greatly enhanced access to the internet.
Bennett believes there is room for development and that providers can play a significant role in improving the experience for young people.
“Government for its part will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment to facilitate inward investment in the sector and would be pleased to see scholarships granted to the exceptional students to pursue courses in ICT and other related disciplines either at the DSC or the ICT Centre for Excellence which will soon be opened on the grounds of the DSC.”
Currently broadband access stands at 26%.
