Jamaica consumers offered more secure, affordable and easy-to-use access to the Web
Kingston, Jamaica - Aug. 9, 2005: Expanding the reach of broadband
Internet access in the Caribbean, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today joined Cable &
Wireless in launching the Max Personal Internet Communicator (PIC) in
Jamaica. Bundled with Cable & Wireless' High Speed Internet service, the
Max PIC provides consumers with an affordable and reliable means of
communicating with family and friends, improving education and
productivity, expanding entertainment, and maximizing the many ways
Internet access can improve efficiency and enhance lives.
The PIC is a new category of Internet access devices running a
Microsoft(r) Windows(r) powered operating system and designed to provide
managed Internet connectivity and basic computing capabilities such as a
Web browser, e-mail, productivity tools (e.g. word processing and
spreadsheet applications) and the ability to view images and multimedia
files. PICs are easy to maintain and are designed to help resist
viruses, adware and spyware that can significantly lower cost of
maintenance.
The introduction of the Max PIC in Jamaica signifies a continued
expansion of Cable & Wireless Internet access offerings in the region.
The Max PIC is now available in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman
Islands, Anguilla, Turks, Caicos, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica.
"We need to radically alter access to ICT facilities and make it as
universally available as possible and not just limited to areas of
privilege," said Rodney Davis, President & CEO of Cable & Wireless
Jamaica. "In other words, we need to increase our efforts at bridging
the digital divide. This is why Cable & Wireless has set itself a
mandate of providing access to ICT for as many Jamaicans as possible."
Even though Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands are two of the most
Internet-connected countries in the Caribbean, the vast majority of
citizens still do not have Internet access. Less than 23 percent of
Jamaica's population is connected and only 19 percent of British Virgin
Islands citizens have Web access.
"Our collaboration with AMD and Cable & Wireless has resulted in a
product that enables people to tap into the immense cultural,
educational, and economic opportunities that are available through
computing and internet connectivity," said Tom Phillips, General
Manager, Windows Hardware and Emerging Markets, Windows Client Group at
Microsoft. "Through partnership and innovation Microsoft is committed
to making a difference to people and communities through the value and
empowerment software and technology can deliver."
"AMD is working with technology leaders to deliver the power of the Web
to individuals who, until this point, have not had access to the
Internet," said Iain Morris, senior vice president, Microprocessor
Solutions Sector, AMD. "Working with Cable & Wireless and our
development partners to deploy the Max PIC across the Caribbean is yet
another step toward achieving our collective vision of connecting 50
percent of the world's population to the Internet by 2015."
About AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces microprocessors, Flash memory
devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer,
communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to
helping to delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for
technology users, ranging from enterprises to government agencies and
individual consumers. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.
I just read the other day that the US is the least high speed connected per capita country in the world.....that's pretty sorry I'd say
