The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), a government statutory agency, has launched a basic fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband package with a minimum connection speed of 100Mbps.
Speaking to local press, the Minister of Public Utilities, Sir Robyn Yearwood, has explained that APUA will introduce a basic broadband package at a minimum of 10MBps at a rate below EC$100.00 (around $37) per month on its FTTH service.
This is described by TeleGeography's CommsUpdate as markedly lower than the EC$335 ($124) it currently charges for a 20Mbps/10Mbps entry-level plan and EC$160 ($59.2) for a 10Mbps/1Mbps ‘Super DSL’ line.
APUA was set up to ensure that consumers receive the best possible value in telecommunications (including mobile and internet), electricity and water services.
APUA offers high-speed broadband in the country under the brand name inet, the commercial brand of the APUA Telecommunications Business Unit, which has three service offerings covering mobile, home and business.
Local press outlets report that infrastructural work is complete, meaning that communities on the north side of the island are now ready to convert from DSL.
Although no finish time is specified we are told that soon APUA will have laid the new cables throughout Antigua, enabling the best and lowest-cost service in the state. A seabed cable is also planned to connect Antigua with Barbuda.