As from 1st September 2024, citizens aged 18 to 25 years will benefit from a free monthly mobile data package. Eligible young people are thus invited to apply electronically via a platform set up by the Mauritius Revenue Authority on its website to avail of the free monthly mobile data package from their respective internet service providers.
This announcement was made by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this morning at Tribeca Mall, in Trianon, at the launching of the free monthly mobile data pack 18-25 by Mauritius Telecom. Several Ministers, Parliamentary Private Secretaries, and Members of Parliament; together with the Chief Executive Officer of Mauritius Telecom, Mr Kapil Reesaul; and other personalities were present at the event.
In his speech for the occasion, the Prime Minister was adamant that Government would continue to develop the future readiness of the younger generation so that they succeed in the digital economy. He indicated that after democratising access to education with free schooling from primary to tertiary levels, it was important to work towards making internet access affordable for everyone across different socioeconomic backgrounds. As such, he recalled the setting up of 350 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the Republic of Mauritius.
Prime Minister Jugnauth indicated that to get free internet access and remain connected, some 100,000 young people would receive a monthly package of 200 gigabytes working both on 4G and 5G networks. He stressed that this measure translated Government’s vision of helping the youths to thrive and reach their full potential in a modern digital world where it was essential to stay relevant as technology was moving faster than ever.
Among the merits attributed to improving digital access for young people listed by the Prime Minister were the enhancement of access to educational resources thereby supporting academic growth; helping young people find employment and exploring new career paths in the information technology sector; as well as enabling access to digital tools, platforms, and information. According to the Prime Minister, this initiative would bring positive results since the internet was an indispensable tool that promoted innovation, productivity, efficiency, and creativity.
However, Prime Minister Jugnauth cautioned young people on the misuse of internet. He recalled that while it might be a useful tool, it also came with risks, hence the necessity to navigate it safely and be respectful online.
