Antigua and Barbuda
Information and Communication
Technologies
Draft Policy
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the services associated
with them include the broad fields of information processing, transmission and
communication by means of computer and telecommunication techniques. These
modern tools are being used increasingly for organizational and personal
information processing in all sectors of the economy and society. The technology
and techniques necessary to deliver those services have increased
astronomically over the last 10 years.
National development and the growth of any economy are now inextricably
dependent upon the existence of a vibrant ICT industry, the availability of modern
telecommunications infrastructure and the satisfaction of the growing demand for
affordable telecommunications services.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is cognizant of the importance of ICT.
The convergence and integration of communication networks and services, and
the explosive growth of the Internet and Electronic Commerce, can no longer be
ignored. Accordingly the Government has developed after extensive
consultations the following ICT policy, which is a blue print for the economic
transformation of Antigua and Barbuda to a knowledge-based society. In its
implementation, this policy will provide the requisite legal and regulatory
framework as well as financial and social incentives, which will ensure that the
people of Antigua and Barbuda are active participants in the Global Village and
reap the full rewards of globalization.
The Government’s intention is to promote a set of policies designed to upgrade
the intellectual capital of its people. The “People First” philosophy is to ensure
that every citizen and resident has affordable access to ICT services in order to
communicate and better themselves educationally and economically.
ICT will be integrated into the very fabric of our daily lives. The reform of the
educational system and integrating the use of ICT must be accomplished if
Antigua and Barbuda is to rise to First World standards and status.
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