Our fellow citizen Alexandros Nikolaidis sent a particularly interesting proposal to the Mayor of Kythira, Efstratios Charhalakis, regarding the upgrade of telecommunications in Kythira, as well as providing coverage for the so-called «white areas» with a digital repeater for the DIGEA signal, specifically in Chora.
It should be noted that ERT, on the initiative of our fellow countryman Gabriel Kasimatis, a technician at the Public Broadcasting Corporation, Last summer, he installed a repeater whose signal covers Chora and Kapsali.
Mr. Nikolaidis’s letter proposes solutions for both issues, given that deadlines and opportunities are approaching that must not be missed. It is worth paying attention to these issues—both on the part of the municipal government and our fellow citizens—so that we can see positive developments. Read the letter below:
To the Municipality of Kythira
Honorable Mayor Stratos Charhalakis Tel: 27360 – 31213
5 February 2024
Topics:
(a) Installation of fiber-optic infrastructure for households and businesses
(b) Reception of DIGEA’s digital signal in Chora for free-to-air television
Dear Mr. Mayor
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your reelection and wish you a successful and productive new term in the Municipality of Kythira.
I am writing to bring to your attention and that of the municipal council two issues facing Chora — but which also concern the island as a whole — and regarding which I request the immediate action of the Municipality:
A. Reception of DIGEA's digital signal in Chora and
B. Installation of fiber-optic infrastructure for households and businesses
Both are of paramount importance to the country, its residents, and its business community, and, by extension, to Kythira. Resolving these issues should not be a problem, given Greece’s digital progress in recent years. In fact, I believe that if the Municipality takes action—and given the support of all residents—we can achieve results immediately, before the start of the tourist season.
I am providing a brief explanation for those recipients of this letter who are not familiar with these two issues:
A. Receiving DIGEA’s digital signal in Chora (terrestrial television)
Digea (which is the exclusive provider of free digital terrestrial television for all private national and regional channels in Greece) provides digital coverage throughout the entire Greek territory, including border regions. However, in Chora, unfortunately and unjustifiably, it is not possible to broadcast national channels (e.g., ALPHA, ANTENNA, MEGA, SKAI, STAR).
The excuse given for denying the country the «benefit» of free access to television is that the country does not receive a signal from the Digea transmitter due to the «terrain relief.» We would agree that this cannot be an excuse in the year 2024.
I would like to note:
- It is both a right and a necessity for residents to have a clear signal for free-to-air television channels and not to be forced to resort to pay TV.
- Furthermore, it is Digea’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate broadcast center is installed to cover Chora (as well as any other area of Kythira that may also not be receiving a signal).
- And finally, It is the obligation of the Municipality of Kythira to require the Digea the immediate resolution of the problem.
Thanks to the Municipality’s efforts, I am certain that next summer all residents of Chora will be able to watch the Olympic Games in Paris on free-to-air television and — hopefully — celebrate victories, starting with Miltos Tentoglou’s gold medal!
B. Availability of «fiber to the home» for households and businesses
It is a HUGE PROBLEM that internet speeds in the country—especially during the peak tourist season—are «from the last century» and, to put it mildly, unacceptable.
Some of us who want to spend a significant amount of time on the island, working remotely and participating in professional video conferences (e.g., via “Zoom” or “Teams”), have had the frustrating experience of the connection constantly freezing.
The problem is much more serious among professionals in the country (and on the island), which cannot even offer their customers decent WiFi. Especially for foreign tourists visiting the island, it’s unthinkable to go to a hotel, restaurant, or café and not have internet access. Not to mention that their choice is often based on reviews regarding the quality of the internet.
Fiber optics meet the need for high-speed internet (via ultra-high-speed lines). Athens and many urban areas across the country already have the necessary infrastructure and offer consumers the ability to connect. In contrast, in most rural areas, including (with some exceptions) the Greek islands, fiber-optic internet is not yet available due to limited commercial interest.
On Kythira, fiber-optic cables have been installed up to the distribution cabinet (fiber to the curve). However, consumers are not able to connect to fiber-optic service from the cabinet to their homes (fiber to the home).
What is required:
For Kythira to join the «ultra-high-speed club,» there needs to be a contractor who will handle the connections (from the distribution cabinet to the homes). And for such a contractor to emerge, interest must first be expressed. So we need to mobilize households and businesses to collect signatures, and then the municipality should apply pressure to ensure that a contractor is appointed for the project.
There will be no cost to consumers until 2025!
- The deployment of the «fiber-to-the-home» network and all connection work are being funded by development grants (Recovery Fund, Ministry of Digital Governance). There is no cost to the municipality or to households and businesses.
- Households will receive subsidies (through 2025) under the 100% program to install fiber-optic internet. Furthermore, the subscription fee they will pay for ultra-high-speed internet is cheaper than that for traditional «copper» internet.
- After 2025, consumers will have to pay to get fiber-optic service (estimated connection cost: at least €500).
I’ll conclude by noting that Kythira and its residents depend on tourism. Given that high-quality services are now essential, accelerating the rollout of fiber-optic internet on the island is a key prerequisite for enhancing Kythira’s profile and prestige.
I hope that the Municipality will be willing to take effective action and do what is necessary to put Kythira on the radar of the new era, toward the tourism of the future and a holistic, sustainable business model that seeks to blend natural beauty and cultural heritage with the digital transformation of tourism and sustainabledevelopment.
It will not only benefit residents and business owners (e.g., hotels, lodging facilities, restaurants, experiences) but, ultimately, the Municipality itself—both through increased revenue and recognition for its digital transformation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With best regards and warm greetings
Alexander Nikolaidis
