The project agreements, signed today at FIDC’s Board meeting by Hamish Wylie, Chair of the Development Corporation and Sure’s Chief Executive Justin McPhee, will provide for new and additional 4G Mobile connectivity across the rural community, building on other mobile investments being made by Sure and the Falkland Islands Government.
Sure are committing to installation of new 4G infrastructure over the Camp, covering key areas of benefit for the residents in these areas - and opening up opportunities to develop business uses for mobile broadband in science, agriculture, and tourism activity. Sure and FIDC have ambitions to trial possible technology solutions to best utilise this 4G technology, once the network build out is completed.
Sure are planning installation of six new High Power, 800MHz 4G base stations and associated infrastructure for installation in the rural network, together with redeployment of two existing Low Power 1800MHz 4G Base stations - and installation of six “Nano cells” (small ‘in-building’ services) at tourist locations for example. This equipment will integrate within the existing mobile network and be monitored and supported by Sure. Equipment will be deployed at Goose Green, Malo Hill, Sussex Mountains, Bombilla Hill, Fox Bay, North Arm, Channel Hill and Fitzroy.
Martin Slater, commenting at Wednesday’s FIDC Board meeting, says;
“We are delighted to launch this initiative today – in line with our new Corporate Plan, which emphasises collaborative working across the private sector and FIG. For a long time, digital connectivity has appeared as a barrier to business growth. We are striving harder to overcome this and our shared initiative with Sure is a big project that can change lives in Camp”.
Chief Executive of Sure, Justin McPhee agrees;
“In addition to our existing investments across the camp network we are very pleased to work with FIDC to announce this new investment for additional 4G rural coverage. Use of mobile data has increased significantly since Sure installed the 4G network in 2018 and this exciting project will extend coverage to a larger part of the rural areas of the islands providing new opportunities from enhanced connectivity.”
Work is expected to start early in 2021.
Due to the current climate we understand the risk of putting money back into your own business to allow you to continue to grow and improve facilities. However we are committed to our goal of promoting economic development in the Islands, therefore we will be offering a loan scheme that will enable registered tourism accommodation providers to borrow up to £50,000 for capital improvements to their accommodation and facilities with an interest-free, three-year repayment deferral period.
To download the application form & guidance notes click the link >
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Deferred payment loan scheme application and guidance notes
(81 KB)
or contact a Business Development Officer on 27211.
The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) is pleased to publish its 2019-2020 Annual Report and Governance Statement.
The report gives an attractive and illuminating account of the Corporation’s work of the past year, supporting economic development and resilience within our clients businesses through what has been a very difficult year.
If you would like to view this report click here https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/gxwpe
If you wish to download a PDF of the report click here
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FIDC Annual Report 2019/2020
(2.09 MB)
This July, Paula Fowmes and her colleagues at FITV gave the Corporation excellent coverage as part of their package on barriers to business growth – as identified in the recent FIDC Business Climate Survey.
Shortage of skilled labour, access to labour, upskilling of the local workforce, affordable worker housing, and immigration matters are all familiar obstacles for the Islands’ business community. Paula was keen to open up the debate, and to hear what plans we have for addressing the problem.
As Gordon and Louise explained, we hope to see strong initiatives for skills and labour in our new Corporate Plan, due later in the year.
The Falkland Islands Development Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Martin Slater to the recently advertised position of Managing Director.
Mr Slater held the position previously and, following a year of absence from the Islands exploring new horizons, has taken the opportunity to return and pick up the reins again. Martin has been working in change management for the NHS in the UK and will bring valuable new skills and fresh experience to the role.
Martin re-joins the team at a time of great change and uncertainty for our clients in the private sector. With the position of MD at the Corporation’s subsidiary FIMCo in the capable hands of Keith Heslop, Martin will be able to focus his time and attention on delivering FIDC’s objectives. The results of the most recent Business Climate Survey will be feeding into a revision of the Corporation’s Business Plan which will take place over the coming months. Mr Slater will participate in that process, arriving in post ready to lead his team on delivering its strategic mission.
Working towards a highly successful, diverse and sustainable economy for the Falkland Islands