Tag: Chris Said

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Mediawatch

Leading by Example – Chris Said

Like a bolt out of the blue (or “out of the blues” if you speak Jose Herrera English) we have just received the news of Chris Said’s resignation from  his post of Parliamentary Secretary. I have on previous occasions, had the opportunity to praise the sterling work and promise of PS Chris Said and can only, at this point, express my full solidarity with him in what is definitely a difficult moment in his career. It is no coincidence that Dr Said has chosen to resign from his post as Parliamentary Secretary in order to better be able to defend himself in a “tranquil manner”. The accusations being brought against Said may be of a trivial nature – and we have no reason to doubt Chris Said on this matter – but the best manner to combat them is as Dr Chris Said, divested of his public persona and separate. It may be no coincidence that this is the second Gozitan within months to resign from his public post in order to better defend himself on what may be seen as  a trivial matter but still an attack on his reputation nonetheless. We sincerely wish Chris Said all the necessary success in his fight to clear his name. It is unfortunate that there may be a hint of political manipulation behind this attack – this too is PLPN politics.

Good luck Chris Said.

Categories
iTech Mediawatch

There's no such thing as a free (Wi-Fi) lunch

“69  main squares and public gardens around Malta and Gozo will offer free wi-fi in the coming weeks, bringing the number of open spaces offering the service to 88.” That’s wonderful news and all those involved in this project should be lauded with more than a pat on the back. But is free Wi-Fi sustainable in the long term? Does this project fit in within a wider plan or is it just a play by ear routine?

MCA CEO Philip Micallef, PS Chris Said and Minister Gatt have all expressed their enthusiasm about this project “bridging the digital divide” and this is definitely the kind of idea that makes something like Vision 2015 less words and more action. We do not intend to be the wet blankets and killjoys here at J’accuse but it is important not to lose a sense of perspective. While it is true that this kind of service is “similar to what is offered in other countries” there is one missing bit of info in all of this.

Take Luxembourg. We had free Wi-Fi “Hot Spots” a couple of years back. The city center included well signed areas where you could access the public service. After a while though the public service became a paid service. You could  register and buy credit to access the wifi system. Free-riders could go to restaurants such as McDonald’s, Books and Beans (Pierre Meilak’s old haunt) and Urban for example. Like most European cities though the trend was more for paying for credit for public WiFi than for free availability.

Wi-Fi Alliance logo
Image via Wikipedia

When travelling in Europe you can buy credit with Wi-Fi providers like Orange, T-Mobile and others and use their many hotspots around the main towns. Sadly (for Europe) even most hotels require extra payment for the wi-fi service. Few (such as the Campanile chain) offer free wi-fi. The “free” element is excellent to get people used to the benefits of browsing when out but it costs money. My honest question is will the Maltese service be sustainable in the long run?

Lest you batter me with the anti-government critic baton I am genuinely asking whether there is a long term plan. It is all well and good to set up wi-fi hotspots and encourage their use but what will happen in a year or two when the accounts department starts to creak and austerity measures hit the service? I would strongly advise clear, up-front information – that the service will probably cost money in the future is highly probable (unless sponsors are found). Even in the case of wi-fi there is a cost… and government NEVER gives you anything for free.

Answers please.

Times Report

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