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Government Broadband Strategy 31 December 2003 The Department of Trade and Industry and the Treasury have announced a jointly
developed broadband strategy which will place the Isle of Man at the forefront
of e-enabled jurisdictions.
“Broadband” means always-on access at work, at home or on the move provided by a
range of fixed line, wireless and satellite technologies to progressively
greater bandwidths in excess of 256kb/s and capable of supporting interactive
content, applications and services and the delivery of enhanced public services.
In other words, broadband makes using the internet and other applications faster
and more efficient!
Most jurisdictions are working towards improving their percentage of broadband
take up which is often seen as an indication of a jurisdictions commitment to
e-business and e-enablement in general. Typically, the more progressive
jurisdictions are nearing 50% coverage. With the announcement of the Isle of
Man’s broadband strategy, the Island will uniquely be able to offer 100%
broadband coverage. This has been achieved by:
- Manx Telecom supporting the E-Island Vision by ADSL enabling all of their
digital exchanges
- Domicilium offering near line of sight wireless broadband through their new
wireless 3.4Ghz internet services
- The Department of Trade and Industry offering a grant towards the cost of a
broadband satellite connection in circumstances where ADSL and wireless
broadband are unavailable.
The Department of Trade and Industry has for a number of years provided a grant
to cover the cost of any individual or business wanting to install an ISDN or
ADSL connection and the extension of this assistance to cover a satellite
connection in specific circumstances is a further development of this policy.
The number of broadband connections currently in place is now in excess of 1,750
which compares extremely well when bench marked against other jurisdictions.
The policy initiative has been developed jointly by the E-Business Division of
the Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry and is designed to place
the Island at the forefront of e-enabled jurisdictions making the Island an
ideal location for new e-businesses. This latest development is also a further
confirmation of Government’s determination to take
full advantage of the
business opportunities that e-enablement brings with it.
Trade and Industry Minister Alex Downie MHK said
“The Island is increasingly being recognised as an ideal location for
e-business developments and this latest announcement underlines Government’s commitment to maximising the
opportunities that this new business opportunity can bring with it.”
Treasury E-Business Member Donald Gelling MLC said
“This latest announcement demonstrates Government’s commitment to Departments
working together for the benefit of economic development.”
E-Business Director Tim Craine said
"This strategy means that the Isle of Man will have yet another significant
selling proposition when attracting new business to the Island. I feel sure that
this announcement will bring about further new business opportunities.”
Trade and Industry Chief Executive Chris Corlett said
"I am delighted that once again Government has
demonstrated its ability to work in partnership with the private sector for the
economic benefit of the Island." More stories >>>
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