The Minister of Information, Technology and Telecommunications, Edmond Mansoor, has denied that government is in talks to sell Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s (APUA) Internet operations, INET.
Minister Mansoor said neither him nor any technician within the ministry is involved in such talks with Digicel or any other telecommunications company.
He denied the claim, which has emerged as government partners with Digicel to provide 15,000 residents with free Internet by the end of the year.
“I have never been involved in any discussions whatsoever regarding the takeover of INET by Digicel or the takeover of any part of APUA by Digicel or by any other telecommunications company,” Mansoor said.
“I find it remarkable that two weeks on the ALP and Lester Bird has the most descriptive adjectives about Edmond Mansoor.
“Let me state without reservation that by December 31st of this year the communities of Yorks, Lower Gambles, Gray’s Farm and Greenbay will receive high speed internet and there are no connecting costs, no user fees,” he added.
Minister Mansoor also challenged the Antigua Labour Party to declare its stance on LIME’s monopoly on international calls.
“What we’re asking the ALP is to come clean and tell the public if they were to come to power in this country, would they renew the LIME monopoly licence for an additional 15 years?
“Have they been in discussions with LIME in that regard? Our position is clear, we will continue to deploy technology in the communities we are adumbrating a goal of a personal computer and broadband in every home by 2012,” Mansoor said.
