Public telecommunications will receive a major boost this year, says Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Last year, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) developed three projects which will be implemented in 2010 with resources from the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The Payphone/Internet Project will see public payphones placed at the 14 new tourism sites and at a number of popular beaches in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Under this project, public payphones will be placed along the Windward and Leeward Highways at 1-mile intervals. In addition to the payphone network, wireless Internet access will be installed at all 14 newly completed tourism sites, as well as at a number of beaches.{{more}}

Another project designed by the NTRC relates to providing free Internet access, both wired and wireless, to all existing Learning Resource Centers and other community centres operated by non-governmental organizations.

This is geared at ensuring Internet access is available at the community level for those who may not be able to access the Internet at home.

Gonsalves disclosed that the third project is the Maritime Coverage, which is designed to improve communications coverage in the Vincentian sea space.