3.2 ICT Infrastructure St. Lucia has two fixed telephone line operators and a tele‐density of 51 lines per 1,000 people. The number of mobile phone subscribers increased from about 60 percent of the population in 2004 to more than 99 percent in 2009, with most subscribers using prepaid services. There are also two major carriers that provide mobile services for the country. Overall, St. Lucia’s telecommunications industry is estimated to be EC$ 239.45 million, contributing some 10.8 % to GDP by the end of 2007. The country has seen an increase in the number of cyber cafés, a rapid growth in websites, and the widespread use of e‐mail. There are four licensed Internet service providers (ISPs) providing international Internet bandwidth, servicing approximately 20,000 subscribers. However, this bandwidth is generally geographically limited and relatively expensive. In 2008, Internet penetration was relatively low at 9% of the total population. In city and town areas, however, penetration rates were estimated as high as 69%, highlighting the need for greater access in rural communities. There are currently approximately 50 Internet access centres on the island. While a small cadre of skilled ICT resources is emerging to support the ICT industry, all ICT hardware and most software are imported. And in fact there are a limited number of local companies developing ‘small’ software applications. 3.3 Education St. Lucia has 105 schools which includes 75 kindergarten and primary schools, and 24 secondary schools. About 3000 students graduate from the secondary schools each year and about 20% attend the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia. The Ministry of Education has about 1,400 PCs that are utilised by administrative staff and in computer laboratories. By the start of 2009, all schools were provided with Internet access by local ISPs at no cost to Government. Unfortunately, St. Lucia suffers from a significant shortage of ICT trainers and teachers, and [14]