The government aims to make access to internet a basic service, says Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Mohamed Maleeh Jamal.

The Minister said this in his address on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Highlighting the government’s work to develop Maldives’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Minister Jamal said that ICT services and infrastructure have vastly improved in the country.

Maldives has been celebrating Information Day for 50 years since 1969. This year’s theme is Bridging the Standardization Gap.

Minister Maleeh said that more islands are being connected to the fiber network and receiving broadband internet, adding that Maldivians also have access to 4G service while Dhiraagu and Ooredoo work to provide 5G.

He said that the government will ensure that everyone receive cheap internet services, especially students, and that they have already begun work to empower the education sector.

He also said that government services will be improved using the e-government system by providing transparent services online, eliminating paperwork and queues.

Minister Maleeh advised the public to be aware of internet fraud and criminals and to refrain from providing personal information to unverified sources.