Despite all of the efforts made by the island?s politicians, Bermuda remains one of the few developed places in the world to be without a broadband connection.

And as one of the richest places to live in the world, Internet connection remains priced far more expensively here compared to many other countries, according to an analysis by the Computer Society of Bermuda (CSB).

In making the comparison the association provides a valuable reference for those who have long felt ripped off by the rates they pay for lesser speeds. The issue of Internet pricing has been a long-standing problem in the development of Bermuda as what the politicians rather too hopefully called ?Technology Island?.

High prices tend to damper innovation on the Internet and restrict its use to those with enough spare cash to afford the monthly rates. A lack of broadband means users have a hard time accessing video and other multimedia on the Internet.

The question remains the same as it was 10 years ago: how to fix the problem? Liberalisation of the telecom sector has certainly failed to deliver the goods so far.

The analysis on costs and the lack of broadband is contained in an article and comparative table CSB sent to others and me by e-mail. Called ?Bermuda has 0% Broadband Penetration Rate?, the report is based on a news article in PC World magazine.

CSB members took the PC World analysis of 11 sample Internet speeds and pricing outside of the US and inserted Bermuda into a prepared chart for comparison.CSB told me that no Internet Service Provider has so far published rates for residential broadband service in Bermuda. Businesses in Bermuda do have access to broadband. CSB defines broadband as speeds of 1.5 megabytes per second (Mbps) and above.

The best residents can buy is 1 Mbps DSL speed for $109.95 using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology (which allows such speeds over the telephone line).

DSL is available in most countries around the world. It is the most dominate technology used to access the Internet. Italy and Norway are two of the countries in the sample list that also offer fibre to home Internet service.

Fixed wireless services is available in Bermuda and India. Cable modem access, generally the main competitor to DSL in most countries, is available in the UK, Norway, Denmark and Canada. Mobile data access is also available in Bermuda in the form of 3G technology.

As the CSB notes Denmark has 73 per cent broadband penetration. There a 4 mbps service is priced at between $73 to $101. Also of note in a recent CSB newsletter is the start of training under the International Computer Driver License (ICDL) programme.

ICDL fall classes start September 11. The ICDL provides certification for core competencies in operating and understanding the computer and using industry standard programmes like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and Explorer. When users complete the course they are awarded a certification that is recognised in Europe, Asia,North America and parts of the Caribbean. This is useful when you need to demonstrate a basic level of computer skills to your next employers.

The CSB is the island?s certification agent for the programme, which has been available in Bermuda for the past four years. A number of big companies and private schools have used it to improve computer literacy. ?For local companies, we have received positive reports that the programme has reduced the number of help desk calls,? CSB noted in its e-mail.

?Additionally, the programme gets people to work more efficiently ? people aren?t looking around programmes asking questions or bothering other co-workers to solve common computer problems.?

The programme is currently available at MediaTek (www.mediatek.bm) during the evening. For $895 per person you get 50 hours of training. It is a cost you should get your employer to bear. CSB is also looking at offering at a private course for developers. The CSB is a nonprofit established to encourage computer literacy, provide a network for industry professionals and foster an exchange of ideas on developing technologies.

The CSB has recently become more active and says it will be opening up membership shortly. Go to www.csb.bm for more information.