Antigua govt to telcos: Introduce 4G or face new competition

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has indicated that it will introduce new competitors to the telecommunications market if the country’s four established telecommunications companies (telcos) do not fail indicate by next month, their intentions to introduce 4G technology.

The deadline was issued Tuesday by Telecommunications Minister Dr Edmond Mansoor at the launch of the seventh annual ICT Festival (ICTFEST) in St. John’s.

He insited that the introduction of the new technology would help establish Antigua and Barbuda as the Caribbean’s ICT capital. He added that there would be incentives offered to the telcos that deploy 4G technology.

The prime minister, Baldwin Spencer has announced that plans are already underway to incorporate the use of ICT in the task of fighting crime. Internet access will be increased at all police and fire stations across the two-island nation from January 2010.

“Scores of police men and women have already received introductory-level training by the Ministry of Information in using the technology” he disclosed.

“In 2012, all members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the Fire Services will have the opportunity to receive ongoing training in the modern application of computerized technology in the fight against crime and in modern policing techniques.