Technology of the Twenty First Century for Menorca

A contract between the island's government and Infotelecom Networks S.L. will lead to the creation of a wireless network bringing broadband internet connection to the whole island. Thus rural areas and some major tourist centres, currently without such connection, will start to enjoy the benefits of this essential part of modern technology next year. The completion of the network should be within six months. The first area of the island to benefit will be that in and around Sant Lluís.

The equipment for transmitting the signal will consist of a "trunkline" linking aerials located on the Polígono Industrial de Maó; Binibèquer Nou; Monte Toro; S'Enclusa (above Ferreries); Polígono Industrial de Ciutadella. A secondary network of aerials will be established at Es Castell; Milà; S'Algar; Cala en Porter; Coves Noves; Son Bou and Cala Morell.

The island government estimates that at present around 30% of island residents cannot gain internet access by conventional means. In addition they say that as much as 75% of the island's area has some problem or another with internet coverage.

Undoubtedly the projected improved coverage will be an enormous boost to the island's economy; the plans have been welcomed by people speaking on behalf of the tourist and agricultural sectors. Menorca's young people will particularly welcome the ease with which they will be able to gain access to email facilities and the wider world of learning that the internet opens to them.

Island President, Marc Pons, expressed his immense satisfaction that a company, that is one hundred percent Menorcan, has been able to beat off opposition from companies that are based elsewhere during the bidding process for the contract. Infotelecom will be seeking at least four new employees; telecommunications engineers and technicians for installation of equipment.

Work will begin soon on the building of the five towers required by the main "trunkline".

Regarding costs, the pricing structure will vary according to whether the recipient of the service is a business or private client. It will also vary according to the service required. For residential users the monthly price will be 24.85 euros for the slowest speed of 1 Megabyte per second and 38.90 euros for the most rapid speed of 6 Mbps. Businesses will be offered speeds of between 6 and 15 Mbps for prices from 33.05 euros to 89.90 euros. Installation work for the aerial required for one's property is being quoted, somewhat worryingly, as being from 60 euros.

All these quoted prices are without IVA.