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.
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.
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.
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.