The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has openly condemned Telecommunication companies, Digicel and Flow for delivering “crappy, expensive service”. He lashed out against the private providers in favor of the state-owned Antigua Public Utilities Authority and used the occasion of the 2020 Budget Speech to condemn them for providing expensive and poor quality service.
“I know there are many who are blaming the government for slow internet services but the reality is it is Cable and Wireless and Digicel who are selling crappy service for an expensive fee. That is a fact and I want them to hear very clearly,” he told parliament.
He said as a result of this “we cannot rely on them.”
The prime minister and minister for finance announced that US$ 30 million will be invested in APUA to improve broadband service and coverage.
He said this will include underwater fiber cable for faster speeds.
“We are getting APUA to build out its own infrastructure so you can get good quality affordable service,” he announced.
“We not having no quarrel with them they can continue to provide their crappy service, we putting money in APUA so we can supply the demands of our people,” Browne added.
Residents across the region have long complained about low levels of reliability and speed delivered by telecommunications companies. Many have protested against exorbitant prices paid in exchange for the poor services they receive.
Last year of the Premier said that in order for us to build a sustainable BVI the local telecommunications companies must be up to par with international standards. He expressed that it is hampering the economic growth and pledged to address the “technological crisis”. Honorable Fahie also made a public promise to meet with the local telecommunication companies to revise policies and uplift the standard for BVIslanders and residents.