Greek Gov’t Offers Free Internet to 13 Remote Island Communities

A plan announced last year to offer remote island communities free or subsidized Internet access is set to be implemented on 13 Greek isles in the coming months, Shipping and Island Policy Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis said this week.

According to a reply sent by the Shipping Ministry to a request by the mayors of 13 island municipalities last week, the plan foresees subsidizing devices and subscription costs for free broadband services for some 10,831 households on the islands of Lipsi, Gavdos, Chalki, Agathonisi, Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Anafi, Sikinos, Psarra, Megisti, Folegandros, Oinousses and Kimolos.

The aim, the statement said, is to “ease the feeling of isolation experienced by our islands… and is part of the technological upgrade of island regions which will help residents familiarize themselves with digital technologies and services, as well as improve the services provided by businesses and public services”.