Speaking at its inauguration, Local Government Minister Austin Gatt said 80 more internet access points will be installed in streets and 20 others in different establishments.
The internet point, part of an e-Malta Commission project, was launched in conjunction with Maltacom chairman Maurice Zarb Adami.
Dr Gatt said that internet access had tripled to 66,000 users from a mere 22,000 in the past four years, with another 1,000 gaining access in the past month after applying for the government's free e-mail address service.
"This success did not happen overnight and investment in the system and in our people started back in 1989, with a short break between 1996 and 1998," Dr Gatt said.
"The government has a vision for this sector, unlike the Labour party which doesn't even have a spokesman on this sector, nor even one line dedicated to IT in its electoral programme," he said.
Dr Gatt also referred to the internet centres being set up in local councils and the myWeb initiative where 8,000 people are receiving free training on using the internet.
The internet access point provides free access to a number of sites including e-government, Bank of Valletta and Maltacom Group services, among others.
The same Maltacom telecard can be used both to make a normal call and access the internet. Users will be charged for the call and for internet browsing.
The internet point is also equipped with a webcam which allows users to send their families or friends a video of themselves.
This project is being set up in conjunction with MIC, Bank of Valletta, Maltapost and Megabyte.
Quelle: Times of Malta
