--- |
Grenada Profile
Grenada in the Wikipedia
Dominican history, politics, map, geography, economy,
demography, full information and links.
Grenada in the CIA Factbook
Grenada information about the economy, geography, government,
population, communications, military and transnational issues.
BBC Grenada Profile Up to date resume about country leaders, history, main events,
map, flag, geography, news, politics and media links.
Dominica e-Government Page
The Government of Anguilla portal, with many useful links.
Dominica Globalis Page
Dominican statistics for agriculture, climate, economy, education, environment,
gender equality, health, human development, population, technology, and water.
Telecommunications Reports for Dominica
Caribbean Telecommunications Market Reports - Anguilla to Bermuda
This report from Paul Budde provides an overview of the telecom markets in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados and Bermuda. It includes information about fixed-line and mobile operators, Internet providers, regulatory background and state of liberalisation. See summary and table of contents
Caribbean Telecoms Market Overview and Statistics
Almost all Caribbean countries offer a full range of telecom services, despite being characterised by small markets in terms of population. Liberalisation agreements have been reached in most countries. The major mobile players are the incumbent Cable & Wireless and Digicel which, in June 2005, agreed to acquire all the Caribbean operations of Cingular Wireless. The region’s mobile subscriber base is concentrated in the hands of these two major players, with only a few smaller companies edging their way into the newly liberalised markets. This Paul Budde report provides an overview of the Caribbean’s telecom sector accompanied by relevant statistics and a brief profile of the major players. See report table of contents
|
Broadband and Consumer E-Commerce in Bermuda
July 2009 Review
Bermuda's internet costs fell sharply in 2004 and 2005 to date, which was most welcome news to all local home and business consumers, newcomers, tourism accommodations and international businesses. In addition, there are a number of Internet Cafes.
Bermuda does not follow the UK methodology of allowing free Internet access at libraries and local or regional Council offices. Nor does it offer free or nominal cost Broadband (DSL) access from the Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism offices or Visitor Service Centers in the City of Hamilton or Town of St. George.
AOL and similar are not allowed in Bermuda as they are in other countries. This is because Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must be Bermudian companies (in other words, at least 60% beneficially Bermudian owned, directed and managed).
The projected costs of DSL broadband in Bermuda are between $29.95 for 128K and $99.95 for 512K. Dial-up is about $19.95, it is however slow (under 56K) and difficult to access.
There are several factors limiting Bermuda's effectiveness as an electronic commerce. Protectionism legislation, of the type not found anywhere else in the developed business and commerce world, makes Bermuda's international e-commerce scenario speculative in attraction. Presently - and this is not likely to change - local laws do not allow foreign corporations to own more than 40 percent of a local business (one trading in the local market place). Overseas based organizations with huge bulk purchasing power elsewhere and no controls (like Bermuda has) are not permitted to own local outlets.
For Bermuda does not yet offer adequate intellectual property protection. Bermuda still has 1950's law, not good enough to offer the kind of legislation and protection corporate clients of today need. Laws in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc. are much more modern and businesslike for the electronic age. The Bermuda Government has import duties (averaging 27.5 percent and up) levied by the Government on computers, modems, peripherals, routers and all other relevant electronics. They are the highest in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to Customs Duties are Air freight, wharfage and Air Terminal fees. Thus the retail cost in Bermuda of a new 3.4 GHz computer with 1 G DDR RAM and a 17" LCD Flat Panel Display is hugely more than in the USA and double that of the UK. Another factor is the very high Cost of Living.
Bermuda's internet costs have fallen sharply recently, in response to irate consumers at home and abroad. Major improvements have been made to the cost of Internet access for small or home-based businesses. At long last, the cost of basic (128K) broadband internet access is now less than $30 - similar to the cost in "the real world." This was most welcome news to all local home and business consumers, newcomers, tourism accommodations and international businesses.
Other ways in which Bermuda is responding to consumer demand for high speed Internet access include the establishment of
* A number of privately owned Internet Cafes
* A Bermuda Government operated community portal program aimed at senior citizens, in community centres.
* A Bermuda Government operated recycled PC program, for seniors in government owned Parish Rest (care) homes.
* An Internet Access in Public Places initiative, such as in Post Offices, libraries and other public buildings, following the UK methodology.
|
Keep tuned to the Internet World Stats reports. More figures and updates become available all the time.
|
|
|
|