The Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Equipment shall install digital interactive panels with tourism and cultural information in the historical centres of the villages of Velas and  Calheta and on St. Jorge's airport.

On Wednesday, the Secretary , José Contente, whilst visiting one of the places where a wireless network will be installed, the Jardim da República, said that this initiative is part of a Governmental investment of 600 hundred thousand euros  to provide the the so-called "cohesion islands" with IT technologies.

It is in the ambit of the "HI-FI Network for the Cohesion islands" project that this public  digital equipment will be provided, in order to assure that up to date information is available to tourists, visitors and locals.

José Contente said, " in the second phase of this project, we intend to instal new digital interactive panels to help tourists or people that may need rapid information regarding hotels, entertainment venues or commercial/business activities.

The execution of these projects, besides assuring free internet access, show that "the information and knowledge society has reached these islands through its IT centres and clubs, the Secretary said.

Presently, there are eleven IT areas and centres at the service of the populations.

In addition to financing the acquisition o IT equipment and software for IT centres and areas, the Regional Government contributes annually funds IT training sessions for the population.

José Contente said, "in the year of 2009 we intend to reinforce the funds allocated to the eleven IT centres of the municipalities of Calheta and Velas by one hundred thousand euros."

The HI-FI network equipment will be strategically located in different public spaces of the islands of S. Jorge, Graciosa, Flores and Santa Maria. The Government thus hopes to attract citizens to these places where internet access is provided free of charge.