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> and the islands of Saint Helena Why? How can that possibly be profitable?

kcb 4y ago
"In Brussels the following year, SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys, along with Director for Latin America & Caribbean, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, Jolita Butkeviciene, signed a Financing Agreement for the Territorial Allocation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF 11). As a result, €21.5 million was allocated to St Helena to support the delivery of the SHG Digital Strategy through the realisation of the submarine cable to enable faster and more reliable internet connectivity on the Island.[154]" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena#Telecommunications https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena#Telecommunication...
bruce511 4y ago
A branch from the cable to the island is relatively cheap. And although the population of the island is only around 5000, the human return on this investment is huge. In simple economic terms it allows Saints (as they are known) to participate in the global digital economy. Both as providers (everything from programmers to call centres) to consumers (basic things like voice,meetings,streaming etc.) St Helena now has an airport so with connectivity, tourism also improves. Its a lot easier to take a week to visit a truly exotic location if connectivity is also good. Currently the islands share a small satillite connection, which is very expensive, and very slow. In summary, the provision of good connectivity in rural areas helps stem the flood to ever larger urban areas, and allows remote communities to both preserve themselves but also participate directly in a global economy.
- TedDoesntTalk 4y ago
  The airport you mention is also the most expensive airport in the world, by some measures, and the construction of which was a complete fiasco. So I’m not sure what to make of your other comments. Anyway thanks for the reply.
  - bruce511 4y ago
    Yes the airport was expensive, not least because of the location, or the need for extensive groundwork. Yes there were issues with getting it certified because of the unexpected wind sheer. None of this negates the value of a Internet cable. Indeed it doesn't negate the value of the airport in extending the local economy. Given the remoteness of the island, and the low population, things will tend to be more expensive than in other places. That doesn't mean we should just ignore the place. If we develop rural areas in general with good transport and digital links, we encourage populations to disperse and not just congregate in cities. Which imo is a generally good thing.
  - ignaloidas 4y ago
    It is one of the most useful airports in the world nonetheless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-QejUTDCWw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-QejUTDCWw

kcb 4y ago

"In Brussels the following year, SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys, along with Director for Latin America & Caribbean, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, Jolita Butkeviciene, signed a Financing Agreement for the Territorial Allocation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF 11). As a result, €21.5 million was allocated to St Helena to support the delivery of the SHG Digital Strategy through the realisation of the submarine cable to enable faster and more reliable internet connectivity on the Island.[154]" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena#Telecommunications https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena#Telecommunication...

bruce511 4y ago

A branch from the cable to the island is relatively cheap. And although the population of the island is only around 5000, the human return on this investment is huge. In simple economic terms it allows Saints (as they are known) to participate in the global digital economy. Both as providers (everything from programmers to call centres) to consumers (basic things like voice,meetings,streaming etc.) St Helena now has an airport so with connectivity, tourism also improves. Its a lot easier to take a week to visit a truly exotic location if connectivity is also good. Currently the islands share a small satillite connection, which is very expensive, and very slow. In summary, the provision of good connectivity in rural areas helps stem the flood to ever larger urban areas, and allows remote communities to both preserve themselves but also participate directly in a global economy.

TedDoesntTalk 4y ago
The airport you mention is also the most expensive airport in the world, by some measures, and the construction of which was a complete fiasco. So I’m not sure what to make of your other comments. Anyway thanks for the reply.
- bruce511 4y ago
  Yes the airport was expensive, not least because of the location, or the need for extensive groundwork. Yes there were issues with getting it certified because of the unexpected wind sheer. None of this negates the value of a Internet cable. Indeed it doesn't negate the value of the airport in extending the local economy. Given the remoteness of the island, and the low population, things will tend to be more expensive than in other places. That doesn't mean we should just ignore the place. If we develop rural areas in general with good transport and digital links, we encourage populations to disperse and not just congregate in cities. Which imo is a generally good thing.
- ignaloidas 4y ago
  It is one of the most useful airports in the world nonetheless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-QejUTDCWw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-QejUTDCWw