Dozens of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) spaces in the Azores have decisively contributed to the dissemination of digital culture across the archipelago.

This opinion was conveyed by the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures, José Contente, during a visit to the Calheta Computer Club on São Jorge on Tuesday morning.

Due to the ongoing investments made in this area, the Azores are “creating a new generation that will contribute to the Knowledge and Information Society with other skills,” stated the Secretary.

The government official also considered that in a modern society it is essential “have well-informed people who, above all, are able to sort information” and “use it” for the benefit of their personal development and of economic activity.

For José Contente, with this type of equipment and the access to computers, Internet and broadband networks, it will “be more important what we do than where we are.”

“Where we are will end up being less important than what we can do,” the Regional Secretary stated, adding that “this is an example that has borne fruit” in the Azores.

In this regard, the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures recalled that the Azores have the highest rates in the country regarding the number of “households with computers, Internet and broadband access,” being only surpassed by the regions of Lisbon and the Algarve.

As for the “thinking network” that makes up the 78 ICT spaces in the archipelago, José Contente revealed that the Government will “promote the spaces where it is necessary, shut down some, thus avoiding bad investments.

One must take into account “that it will not necessary to promote places where people no longer need to access these technologies through these equipments,” which are still useful in some Azorean villages.