Government’s Hello IT initiative to offer computers, software and training at an affordable price has been extended to 24 hardware retailers and training providers.

The agreement was brokered by the General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU), which represents the retailers, and the Investment, Industry and Information Technology Ministry.

It is considered a breakthrough since only a few months ago the GRTU and the ministry were at loggerheads over this initiative after an initial agreement with HP.

The extent of this agreement was perhaps best illustrated by Marcel Mizzi from the GRTU’s IT section, who said: “We normally compete strongly but we managed to get everybody behind us.”

Joe Tabone, head of the IT section within the GRTU, said that under the agreement the companies will be offering advantageous prices to students as well as to the general public.

Mr Mizzi said students will now be able to get a computer starting from Lm260 while a laptop will be available starting from Lm300.

On his part, Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt said that thanks to the effort of various people, including GRTU director-general Vince Farrugia, something which had not started on the right track has had a positive ending.

He said this agreement went a step better than the previous one-to-one deal since it will be offering a wider choice of hardware and the local distribution chain will be used.

“It is useless speaking about the digital divide if we do not have the necessary hardware and software available for all,” said Dr Gatt.

Moreover, there is also the need for more penetration of broadband, which now stands at slightly less than 50 per cent of all internet connections, he said.

Under this agreement, the retailers will also be offering the learning materials of the Hello IT programme, as well as the discounted Microsoft software.

[email protected]