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Monday, January 17, 2005 - The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications
Authority (ECTEL) announces the commencement of a Universal Access Study in the
five Member States of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. Universal Service and Universal Access are
fundamental principles enshrined in Article 4 (1) (c) of the ECTEL Treaty. In
principle universal access means that every person in the community has a
reasonable access to publicly available telecommunications services such as
telephone and Internet.
The Study is being conducted by Mr. Josbert Kester, an International Broadband
Consultant, with developing countries experience. He has participated in similar
initiatives in Chile, Peru and South Africa. Mr. Kester is being assisted by
Vincentian Telecommunications Engineer, Mr. Apollo Knights. Funding for the
project is being provided by the Dutch Government, the World Bank and ECTEL.
The Study will be conducted between January and April 2005 and will:
1. Examine the current Broadband supply and demand situation
2. Specify target areas
3. Survey Market demand for broadband connectivity
4. Analyse technical solutions and
5. Design the tender process
Through Universal Access, the Governments of the ECTEL Member States hope to
increase affordability and connectivity to the Internet. As a result, this study
will focus attention on enhancing Broadband capacity to public places such as
schools, libraries, health and community centres, thereby creating a platform
for improved access to higher education, tertiary health care and economic
opportunities for the people of the OECS sub-region.
The results of the Study will assist the ECTEL Board and Council in formulating
a policy position on Broadband connectivity and accessibility in the Member
States.
ECTEL Headquarters
Castries, Saint Lucia
Tel. (758) 458 1701/02
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