Blueskies internet scheme extended

Registration for the Blueskies Scheme, through which people can benefit from subsidised broadband internet, has been extended until the end of next month.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday, IT Minister Austin Gatt said over 4,500 people applied for the scheme over the weekend.

On Saturday thousands of people queued along Merchants Street to apply for the scheme, which will provide them with broadband for just €3 (Lm1.29) a month.

The registration period is being extended because a number of people were unable to book over the weekend.

The minister described the initiative as an important one, adding that the government did not want anybody to be excluded from using broadband internet.

Every family should have this service to access eGovernment services, buy products and services online, and bank among other benefits, he said.

Although only 30 per cent of households had internet access in 2003, this had gone up to 58 per cent last month.

The majority of households hooked to the internet - 80 per cent - use broadband.

But although the numbers are high, he said, the aim is for every household to have internet access.

The scheme was open to anyone who does not have broadband at home. Applications will be available from today at Maltapost branches and the YMCA in Valletta.

Primary and secondary schools will have applications for their pupils, HSBC and Bank of Valletta branches for their clients, the ST Microelectronics for its employees and the Foundation For IT Accessibility, for people with a disability.