Above: Turks and Caicos. Photo:caribjournal

The government said the upgrade would save around $62,000 per month, or $3.7 million over the five-year term of the contract, over its current IT expenditure.

The agreement provides for the installation of a new network infrastructure which the government said will improve the security and reliability of its current online systems.

The contract also provides for new computer equipment and WAN/LAN connectivity.

“I am quite enthusiastic about the new agreement with Digicel, as it will revolutionize not only the manner in which civil servants will be able to carry out their duties, but also the way that we communicate both internally and externally, with persons on island and abroad and the manner in which we provide services to the public,” said Deputy Governor Anya Williams. “This forms a part of our commitment to modernize TCIG and to bring much-needed reforms to the way we conduct business.”

Jay Saunders, managing director of Digicel TCI, said the work would give TCI a “state-of-the-art platform to launch all of its e-government and communications initiatives.”