GEORGETOWN: The e-Government Unit has begun rolling out Wi- Fi networks in schools, while hinterland and remote areas are expected to benefit from internet access by the end of the first quarter of 2016.
e-Government Adviser Floyd Levi, in an invited comment, said that at present the e-Government Unit is focused on facilitating the implementation of the infrastructural networks – the transmission and the data networks and the setting up of ICT Hubs across the country.
* ICT Hubs and Wi-Fi for Schools
Levi disclosed that the government was focusing on having the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hubs and Internet Access Points operational by the end of 2016. The ICT Hubs are especially critical for the Wi-Fi networks to become operational. These are expected to benefit all Guyanese but more so, the remote and under-developed communities.
The roll out of Wi-Fi in secondary schools has begun at the President’s College, following a visit by President David Granger to the institution in October. Levi said this is the first project in this category and it will be treated as a pilot to determine the exact needs and requirements for the other schools to benefit.
Additionally, all government ministries, agencies and public buildings will be outfitted with Wi-Fi networks for visitors and consumers to access during their visits.
The adviser to the e-Government Unit assured that usage of the Wi-Fi service is monitored, so as to ensure students’ safety and control.
* Wi-Fi for Hinterland, Remote Areas
Levi went on to disclose that the unit was actively pursuing a similar project, this time to service students in the hinterland and remote areas, who have limited or no access to internet.
To this end, he said that work has already commenced in the Paramakatoi, Region 8 area.
* Support from Microsoft
The adviser several weeks ago, had met with regional representatives of the Microsoft and CISCO Corporations to discuss support for the planned Information Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives.
According to him, plans are under way to consolidate internet access and email services for ministries, by way of an agreement, which would soon see email addresses for these agencies being moved to the gov.gy domain. Levi explained that the collaboration between the two organisations was crucial to the overall success of that unit.
* One Laptop Per Teacher
The One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT) project which will replace the One Laptop Per Family is also managed under the e-Government Unit. Asked about the status of this, Levi said that the first shipment of laptops, which are being acquired under a grant from the Government of China is currently undergoing several tests to ensure that they are not problematic as was the case with the previous batch which was sent.
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