THE Caribbean Regional Communication Infrastructure Programme (CARCIP) has launched a survey aimed at collecting qualitative, quantitative, and demographic data, to identify the reasons for broadband connectivity gaps in urban and rural areas in Saint Lucia.
The term used to refer to these connectivity gaps is digital divide or digital inclusion.
The first leg of the exercise was held at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College last Wednesday, where the CARCIP team, along with the broadband consultants, Decision Analysis, met with students and faculty members of the institution. The consultants oriented the SALCC representatives on how to set up and lead focus groups to conduct the survey and the most efficient way to gather market research.
The results from the survey are expected to address why certain communities have restricted or no access to modern information communications technology (ICT), such as telephones, internet, and cable television. The survey will also assist CARCIP in determining network capacity requirements in new markets where there are no market needs, preferences and demand history, and provide the information needed to bridge connectivity gaps island wide, thereby ensuring that ICT is accessible to all Saint Lucians.
The exercise is expected to run over the next few weeks and will be extended to Micoud, Soufriere, and Vieux Fort.
The survey is the first phase of a joint broadband consultancy contract between CARCIP participating countries, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Saint Lucia, and the US-based broadband consultancy firm, Decision Analysis.