Marcoullis was speaking at the third annual telecommunications conference Infocom 2011 yesterday, which focused on the use of digital technology to boost economic development.
Internet coverage island wide has taken a mammoth leap since 2009 with coverage rate jumping from a meagre 30 per cent to 100 per cent by 2010, surpassing the European average rate of 82.5 per cent, according to Marcoullis.
“We are developing a comprehensive digital strategy for Cyprus as we recognise the enormous economic and social benefits that can arise from the widespread use of digital technology by citizens, businessmen and the public sector,” said Marcoullis.
Marcoullis stressed that Cyprus has made “encouraging improvements” but still has a way to go in order to reach the EU average in other areas.
For example, broadband coverage has increased from 18.2 per cent in 2008 to only 24.4 per cent in 2010, making Cyprus in twelfth position out of the 27 member states. Internet users who use the internet at least once a week have risen from 45 per cent in 2009 to 49.8 per cent in 2010, putting Cyprus in 24th position with the EU average standing at 65 per cent. Everyday internet users have also increased from 34 per cent in 2009 to 40.3 per cent in 2010 with the European average at 53.1 per cent and Cyprus coming in 22nd place. The percentage of the population using e-government services has increased from 22 per cent in 2009 to 25.4 per cent in 2010, while the average rate in the rest of the member states stands at 41.2 per cent and leaves Cyprus at 23rd.
The government’s strategy includes the installation of high speed digital networks island wide, digitally updating the government services making them accessible to all, promoting the use of technology in the private sector and the use of green technologies where they will aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“In a country like Cyprus, where the bulk of the economy is based on services, a digital strategy will help improve and upgrade these services so that our country can become a regional centre in providing health services, education, tourism and attract investments,” said Marcoullis.
Marcoullis also called on all households who do not already have one but may need one, to buy an MPEG-4 decoder in time for the digital switchover on July 1. Televisions built after 2009 will more than likely have the capability to support digital TV without the need for an extra set-top converter. Subscribers of providers such as Primetel, Cablenet and Cytanet among others will not need a decoder as their provider will have already prepared for the switchover.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Natalie Hami
Quelle/Source: Cyprus Mail, 09.06.2011
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