MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islands to Replace Camp Telephone System
On 1 February 2008 the contract between Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and Cable and Wireless South Atlantic Ltd (C&W) was signed thereby confirming that work will proceed on the installation in Camp of a new and modern telephone service, offering Broadband. The installation is expected to be complete by April/May 2009.
Following the signing by the parties of Heads of Understanding on 4 October a detailed press release was issued setting out the main parameters for the project, which are as follows: C&W will manage the telecommunications components of the contract which includes the extension of Broadband services into Camp. The capital cost will be shared with FIG contributing £823,000 and C&W contributing £1.3m. Any over run to the total capital costs of the project or any savings on costs will be shared in equal proportions. FIG will pay the cost of road construction to telecommunications sites and manage the contract for those works: one road has already been built to Channel Hill on West Falkland. FIG will also fund the initial provision of power supply and ancillary infrastructure, which is expected to cost approximately £1m. During contract negotiations C&W has been refining the technical specifications of the project. The main technology to be employed will be WIMAX with the deployment of a few VSAT (satellite) terminals at the extremities to ensure telephone and Broadband services throughout Camp. Now that the contract has been signed procurement of equipment and manpower will be confirmed. A Joint Project Co-ordination Team has been established by the Parties to monitor progress on the project components, monitor costs and consider any revisions to the project plan. The Team will hold their first meeting on 7 February. C&W say they are confident that services can continue to be provided to Camp by the existing IRT2000 network until the new system is in place. Aaron Richardson, a Director of Cable & Wireless South Atlantic Ltd, said: "As part of our continued partnership with FIG we look forward to providing a world class service and are proud of this Project. We look forward to truly delivering homogenous telephone and internet services throughout the whole nation". Councillor Mike Rendell said: "For the Camp community the completion of this installation contract will mark a major step forward in raising the quality of life whilst at the same time creating exciting opportunities for existing and potential businesses". Joint FIG C&W Press Statement
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