Internet Quality In Antigua And Barbuda: Fast Or Slow?

Antigua and Barbuda is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, with a population of just over 100,000. In 2017, the country had an internet penetration rate of 73%, and the government has been making efforts to increase this number and improve broadband access. The country offers modern telecommunication technology, including 4G LTE advanced networks, with island-wide data and voice coverage. There are several internet service providers (ISPs) in Antigua and Barbuda, each offering a range of plans and services. The average internet speed in the country is 2.7 Mbps, but higher speeds are available in large towns and cities.

Antigua and Barbuda's internet speed

The internet speed in Antigua and Barbuda has been improving, with a notable increase in fixed internet connection speeds in the twelve months leading up to the start of 2023. According to Ookla, the median fixed internet connection speed in the country was 27.14 Mbps at the beginning of 2023, a significant improvement from the previous year.

In November 2023, the average fixed broadband internet speed in Antigua and Barbuda was 33.33 Mbps for downloads and 18.89 Mbps for uploads. This indicates that the country is making progress in enhancing its internet infrastructure.

However, the overall average internet speed in the country is still relatively low at 2.7 Mbps. This suggests that there may be variations in internet speeds across different regions of the country, with larger towns and cities likely offering more high-speed internet options.

The country has two main internet providers, Cable & Wireless (operating under the Flow brand) and ACT. Flow offers several internet plans with different data limits and prices, ranging from the Lite package at $57 per month for 20 GB to the Ultra package at $132 per month for 250 GB.

As of January 2023, Antigua and Barbuda had 90,000 internet users, with an internet penetration rate of 95.7% of the total population. This indicates that the vast majority of the country's residents have access to the internet, despite some variations in speed across different areas.

Internet service providers (ISPs) in the country

Antigua and Barbuda has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, offering high-speed internet services to residents and businesses. There are several internet service providers (ISPs) in the country, each providing a range of internet services and connection types.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is the national telecommunications company of Antigua and Barbuda. It offers a wide range of internet services, including fiber optic, DSL, and wireless connections. APUA has an extensive network of fiber optic cables, enabling it to provide high-speed internet to both residential and commercial customers. APUA's website and contact number are available for those seeking more information or wishing to set up an internet connection.

Digicel, a multinational telecommunications company, also has a strong presence in Antigua and Barbuda. They offer fiber optic and wireless connections to cater to diverse customer needs. Digicel is known for its competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective internet services. Their website and contact details are readily available for prospective customers.

Another prominent ISP in the country is Flow, a well-known multinational telecommunications company. Flow provides a comprehensive range of internet services, including fiber optic, DSL, and wireless connections. With its advanced fiber optic cable network, Flow delivers high-speed internet to its customers. Those interested in Flow's services can visit their website or contact them directly using the provided phone number.

In addition to these major players, other ISPs in Antigua and Barbuda include Cable & Wireless, Antigua Computer Technology Co. (also known as ACT Antigua Computer Technology Co.Ltd), and BTS Communications (BD) LTD. Each of these providers contributes to the country's overall internet connectivity, offering various plans and speeds to meet the diverse needs of their customers.

The cost of internet services

Antigua and Barbuda has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with several internet service providers (ISPs) offering a range of internet services. The cost of internet services in the country can vary depending on the provider and the specific plan chosen. Here is an overview of the prices for internet services in Antigua and Barbuda:

Major Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Cable & Wireless (Flow)

Flow is a multinational telecommunications company that offers broadband internet access services via several internet plans. The following are the current internet connection rates for Flow's plans:

• Lite: 20 GB data limit for $57 per month
• Basic: 48 GB data limit for $72 per month
• Essential: 100 GB data limit for $87 per month
• Plus: 150 GB data limit for $108 per month
• Ultra: 250 GB data limit for $132 per month

APUA (Antigua Public Utilities Authority)

APUA is the national telecommunications company of Antigua and Barbuda, offering a range of internet services such as fiber optic, DSL, and wireless connections. APUA has a wide network of fiber optic cables, enabling them to provide high-speed internet services to residential and business customers.

Digicel

Digicel is another multinational telecommunications company that provides fiber optic and wireless connections to both residential and business customers in Antigua and Barbuda. They are known for offering competitive pricing for their internet services.

Cost Comparison

When comparing the cost of internet services in Antigua and Barbuda, it is important to consider the data limits and speeds offered by each plan. For example, Flow's Lite plan offers 20 GB of data for $57 per month, while their Ultra plan provides 250 GB for $132 per month. Similarly, Digicel and APUA may have different pricing structures and data limits for their internet services. It is recommended to contact these providers directly to obtain the most up-to-date information on their internet plans and pricing.

In summary, the cost of internet services in Antigua and Barbuda can vary depending on the chosen provider and plan. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with multiple ISPs offering competitive pricing and a range of data limits to meet different needs.

The telecom industry's growth

The telecom industry in Antigua and Barbuda has experienced steady growth throughout the second decade of the 21st century. This growth has been facilitated by the government's decision to liberalise the country's telecommunication sector. As a result, mobile phone subscriptions have seen a dramatic increase, while the fixed-line market has gradually declined. The period between 2005 and 2010 witnessed a cumulative growth of 95.8% in mobile telephone subscriptions, compared to a 0.5% decline in landline subscriptions.

The primary telecommunications company in Antigua and Barbuda is the state-owned Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). However, the leading provider of telecommunications services is LIME, a business venture of Caribbean Cable & Wireless Plc. LIME offers a full range of services, including landlines, internet, mobile, and entertainment packages. Additionally, Digicel is a prominent mobile telecommunications provider in the country and the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean.

The government's efforts to liberalise the sector led to a partnership with the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) in 2012. This partnership provides Antigua and Barbuda with observer status within ECTEL, further promoting a liberalised telecommunications sector. The country's telecommunication sector is regulated by the Telecommunications Division of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology, which is responsible for all related laws and policies.

The telecom sector in Antigua and Barbuda has been crucial in maintaining connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has also impacted the industry, causing a downturn in some aspects, particularly mobile device production. Infrastructure upgrades were delayed, and progress towards 5G implementation slowed. Consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by job losses and reduced disposable incomes. Despite these challenges, the sector remains vital for work and school from home, receiving support from the government.

To enhance the competitiveness of the state-owned telecom market, the government allocated EC$80 million in 2019. Legislative amendments have also been made to extend the jurisdiction of the telecom regulator in Barbuda to include mobile services. The country has a good automatic telephone system with fiber-optic lines, and the telecom sector contributes significantly to the country's GDP.

The government's role in improving internet access

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has played a significant role in improving internet access for its citizens. Recognising the correlation between broadband access and economic development, the government has made efforts to increase broadband penetration across the islands. As of 2017, internet penetration stood at 73%, and the government has been working to push this number even higher.

One of the key strategies employed by the government has been the establishment of key institutions, such as an information technology centre, a Wide Area Network, and a government data centre. Additionally, the government has developed a strategic plan with several key aims, including raising public awareness of the importance of ICT and the internet, delivering online government services, creating an e-commerce platform, and increasing access to affordable computers.

To achieve these goals, the government has been actively seeking partners in the private sector. One example of this is the STOP THINK CONNECT Project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications & Information Technology, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). This project aims to develop and deploy a universal online safety and security messaging scheme to educate users on the importance of online security. The campaign provides users with actionable steps to protect their personal information, keep their devices secure, and customise their privacy and security settings on social media and other websites.

The government has also worked to improve access to government services through digitisation. For example, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications & Information Technology has made it possible for citizens to renew their driver's licenses online, search records at the Intellectual Property Office and Land Registry, and access the digitised records at the Police for certificate of character. Additionally, the Ministry has helped to computerise the Council and Treasury in Barbuda.

Furthermore, the government has made considerable investments in LTE and fibre services to enhance the country's telecom industry. These investments are particularly important for island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, where delivering broadband and mobile broadband services can be challenging due to geographic and funding constraints. By addressing these challenges, the government aims to drive up the penetration rate for broadband access for individuals and businesses, fostering economic growth and improving opportunities for its citizens.

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