C&W investing US$5mn in broadband upgrades

C&WB, the Barbados unit of UK-owned telco Cable & Wireless, is spending some B$10mn (US$5.01mn) on boosting fixed line and broadband service infrastructure, the Barbados Advocate reported. According to C&W Barbados' president Donald Austin, the country already has internet penetration of around 55%, and broadband penetration of 35-37%, which is higher than some countries in western Europe such as Belgium. As part of the upgrades, the company will also be providing free PCs and internet access in public libraries under its year-old Connect Barbados program, said Claire Downes-Haynes, C&W Barbados' manager of regulatory affairs.