Enrique Camacho, Sr. Vice President of Internet and Data, Caribbean, Cable & Wireless

Cable & Wireless, a leading international telecommunications company providing IP, voice and data services to business and residential customers, joined forces with AMD to provide a version of the AMD's Personal Internet Communicator (decTOP™), called, "Max," to more than 4,000 customers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. According to Enrique Camacho, Sr. Vice President of Internet and Data, Caribbean, "We cover every English-speaking island in the Caribbean. Or as I tell people, 'wherever cricket is played.'"

We spoke with Mr. Camacho about the collaboration between Cable & Wireless and AMD and the ability of both companies to work toward fostering the 50x15 initiative.

How would you describe Cable & Wireless's (C&W) relationship with AMD?
One of our objectives at C&W is to increase Internet access penetration across our Caribbean footprint. As a service provider we knew we could offer our customers Internet connectivity but that we did not have a device that would enable them to do so. We saw AMD's Personal Internet Communicator (decTOP™) as a device designed for Internet access at about the same low cost as a high-end cellular phone. One of the things we've seen is that many consumers in the Caribbean, even those with lower incomes, are often inclined to purchase quality cellular phones. So we thought that if we could offer an Internet access device at about the same price as a high-end cell phone, we might have great potential to connect a wide audience to the Internet. One of our first tests was to bundle the decTOP™, which we call "Max," with high-speed Internet service.

How has Cable & Wireless used Max to help connect people in emerging growth markets?
After Hurricane Ivan hit the Cayman Islands, many people were more interested in having Internet access then phone access. We put the decTOP™ in a mobile van. We announced on the radio where the van would be and when. And we had people following the van to get Internet access. Keep in mind that Hurricane Ivan was in the middle of summer and it was very wet, warm and humid — well over 90 degrees with 85% humidity — not ideal conditions for any computing device. We opened the van and set-up some tables, started the generator, and plugged-in the devices and routers. Every decTOP™ worked flawlessly. Based on that experience we knew that the decTOP™ was the perfect public computer for our footprint in the Caribbean. It features a solid form factor, which is important because a lot of areas in the Caribbean are humid and dusty. Another aspect I like about the decTOP™ is that it doesn't allow users to download malicious viruses or spy ware. Users can browse, email, and chat, but they are unable to download harmful applications. If there is a problem with the decTOP™, most often it's correctible simply by re-booting the device, which means there's no need to staff IT experts.

How have AMD and C&W worked to launch initiatives in the Caribbean that help support 50x15?
Consumers in the Caribbean are not interested in maintaining computers or buying expensive software. Most just want to use a device that simply gives them the access they want without all of the headaches. This requires a different model for what people might refer to as a PC. What many of our customers want is an Internet access device. And that's exactly what AMD has (in the decTOP™).

We have a dedicated contact at AMD who works with us to install, test and optimize the Max. We've had a tremendous amount of support but, more importantly, we are learning together as we go. Broadband is changing business models for ISPs. Ten years ago, broadband was not available, but it is now. And AMD is working with us to pioneer this new broadband model in the Caribbean.

What are your thoughts concerning the world's "digital divide?"
We need to be careful to not let "The Digital Divide" become a cliché that loses its power. The key to bridging the digital divide is to provide access, not ownership. The goal of 50x15 is very attainable but don't misunderstand that we need computing devices in every home. It's simply not possible. However, we can realize the goal of 50x15 if we provide the means for access and devices in community centers, Internet cafés, hotels, hospitals, schools and other public places.

From your perspective as a leading global service provider, how might the vision of 50x15 be realized?
If service providers and governments really want to have an impact on bridging the digital divide they need to promote the idea of public means to access the Internet, such as labs in schools and internet cafés that are both profitable and sustainable. I preach public computing because I have seen how it impacts us in the Caribbean. Again, the key to bridging the digital divide is to provide access, not ownership.

Also, at Cable & Wireless we believe strongly in a concept that I call, "computeracy," which is combining computing devices with literacy programs. When Cable & Wireless and AMD sat down at the table, we learned quickly that both companies had unique strengths. Knowing how to read and write is critical, of course, but today you also need to be computer literate. The technology provided by AMD provides an important "leg" (the Internet access device), of our four-legged table, which includes connectivity, content and support.

What is your strategy moving forward?
The strategy at Cable & Wireless is shifting from providing Internet access and computing devices solely for consumers to integrated projects for government and other institutions. Think "computing clusters" for public use. We've approached several government entities with the Max and received very positive response. It's the perfect solution. For example, one particular agency wanted to buy refurbished computers from Columbia. When showed them our initiative with AMD, they were very enthusiastic and agreed with us on our approach. It just makes sense. We have an MOU with St. Vincent and three other governments that average about 2,000 PICs per project. In the next year, Cable & Wireless will aggressively pursue the communication center model. Our goal is in part to provide a clean and safe environment for not just Internet access in neighborhoods throughout our footprint, but many other services that might be taken for granted in the United States, such as passport photos, money orders, international call, copies, and more. I envision working with AMD to provide the main Internet access devices in these communication centers.

Add any additional thoughts about AMD, 50x15, and the relationship between AMD and C&W?
A lot of initiatives around the world to enable Internet access fail within the first three months because most technologies as part of the solution adopt viruses and succumb to adverse environmental conditions. The Max (decTOP™), however, is very robust, easy to use, and safe. It's the perfect solution for Cable & Wireless in the Caribbean.

Lastly, our working relationship with AMD has been a pleasure since day one. We are pioneers together, really. And as we enter new markets, we look forward to continuing a relationship that benefits our customers and helps connect an important and growing part of the planet.