Five Regional Countries, Telecom Firm Unveils Subsidised Internet

• A plan to deliver internet connections to low-income Caribbean households has been unveiled as part of a private-public partnership between leading telecoms operator C&W Communications and some Caribbean countries.
• Termed JUMP, the initiative aims to help bridge the digital divide and foster greater digital inclusion in a region that still has less than 65% broadband penetration with 27 million users from a total combined population of 44 million, C&W Communications said in a statement.
• In partnership with local governments, the company, which is the operator of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, will provide qualifying households with a subsidised high-speed internet connection, a free laptop computer and relevant training for individuals and families.
• So far, C&W Communications and the governments of Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, and The Bahamas have committed to JUMP and more than 2,700 households have already been connected.
• According to the C&W CEO, Inge Smidts, the aim is to eliminate barriers and to ensure that every individual and family, despite their financial situation, can benefit from the digital world.
• “We believe this investment will change lives, unlock the potential of economies, and truly enable progress. Our core social mission is to connect everyone to the digital world, regardless of their income or where they live, and we are committed to harnessing our resources and capabilities to narrow the digital divide,” she said.

(Source: Trinidad Express Newspaper)