Portugal Telecom presented its contribution towards the Ligar Portugal programme of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, with the objective of promoting the use of broadband in Portugal. Until the end of the year you can purchase at the PT Comunicações stores, computers at a reduced price, 399 euros, with Internet connection. By integrating the Ligar Portugal programme 200 euros can be deducted in the IRS.
According to Iriarte Esteves, Executive Director of the Portugal Telecom Group and Deputy Chairman of PT Comunicações, “this is a demonstration of the agility of Portugal Telecom which I believe is according to the expectations of the Government. In addition to accomplishing our objectives we are also contributing towards overcoming the existing obstacles as to the acquisition of computers”.
The Executive Director recalls that pertaining to broadband dynamics, Portugal Telecom contributes with NetCabo products and services, with third generation mobile of TMN and with 800 hotspots in Portugal of PT Wi-Fi (a number that mounts to 20.000 if you consider the international roaming agreements).
Mariano Gago, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education started by recalling that since 1st December, the acquisition of computer equipment has the statute of fiscal benefit and although it is pertaining to 2006 income it also covers acquisitions made in December 2005.
The Minister applauded the effort of the operators, namely of Portugal Telecom in creating more beneficial offers for consumers, specially for families with students. “This effort allows to overcome economic obstacles and makes its use easier. The levels of qualification are also very important. It is here that we combat the levels of educational exclusion and it is here that we have to act to fight this phenomenon within younger generations.
According to Paulo Hipólito, responsible for the Sapo ADSL area, 97% of the clients with telephone service can already have ADSL. Until the end of the year, 99% can Access this technology and in March 2006, Portugal Telecom will render available 100% coverage.
He also stated that Portugal Telecom expects to close the year with 1 223 thousand accesses, a value that corresponds to a 34% penetration. Pertaining to homes with PC’s broadband penetration is of 60%. Only 14% of the population with PC does not access Internet.
As added by Paulo Hipólito, the results of the reduction in prices are positive as the sales in equipment have increased significantly. Of an average of 100 equipments per month, PT now sells 100 equipments per day.
Note that broadband is fundamental pillar for the development of the Information Society. There are four base conditions deemed necessary to assure with the objective of reaching the generalisation of broadband: coverage of national territory; prices; info-education and penetration of PCs, in which the PT Group has assumed an active participation.
With the SAPO PC campaign, the PT Group strengthens another base condition: the penetration of PC’s in Portuguese homes. Nowadays only 50% of the homes have a computer and the country can’t stop here. It is necessary to increase the effort to attain the level of the most developed European countries. A reduced acquisition value and the possibility of deducing it on the IRS are the incentives for the effective development of a digital economy and a truly inclusive information society.