Huge response for broadband access scheme

There has been a huge response to the Blueskies broadband internet access scheme launched by the IT ministry.

Thousands of people flocked to Valletta this morning to register for the scheme, through which those who currently do not have access to broadband internet can be given such access for just 3 euros a month for one year.

The scheme is being operated by the government together with a number of internet service providers. The various providers this morning mounted stands at Merchants' Street to sell their products and accept registrations. Other stands were mounted by the IT ministry and the banks, which are promoting internet banking.

At one time the queues snaked from Merchants' Street to Repubic Street. Prime Minister Laswrence Gonzi and IT Minister Austin Gatt toured the fair and chatted with some of those present. The IT Ministry said that some 4,000 applications had been received, many of them from elderly persons and from vulnerable groups,

Registrations in Gozo will be accepted tomorrow morning at the Ministry for Gozo.