Cellcom has also provided the first totally free virtual private network (VPN) that will allow all registered journalists in the PUL to speak with each other for free. The donation was made under a new program called "Freedom the Communicate."
Turning over the items to the Press Union of Liberia on Tuesday at the YMCA in Monrovia, Cellcom's chief corporate communication strategist, Dr. Kimmie Weeks, remarked that Cellcom was delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Press Union of Liberia.
Earlier this year, Cellcom sponsored the annual PUL award's night. Weeks says the provision of the internet service would give journalists an avenue to do in-depth research via the world wide web, access training opportunities or scholarships, and also post their articles online. He also said that the VPN service being provided to Liberian journalist was extremely timely and convenient.
"All Liberian journalists who are on this VPN line can now talk to each other for as long as they want for absolutely no cost. We have done this because we believe in Liberian journalists and want to ensure that you have the tools to become more efficient".
Weeks also highlighted that his company was preparing to launch an innovative 4G mobile broadband technology this week. Making a demonstration to journalists on the speed and capability the new network, Weeks said, "the new technologies we have put in place will allow journalists to broadcast live television and radio around the world, and will allow Liberian journalist to do many things that would seem unimaginable now."
He also went on to say that Cellcom's US$60 million investment in telecommunications infrastructure would have huge benefits for Liberian journalists.
For his part, the president of the Press Union of Liberia, Peter Quaqua, said he welcomed the gesture from Cellcom and noted that the donation would greatly enhance the work of Liberian journalists throughout the country.
Kimmie Weeks says Cellcom will continue to work and support press freedom and the advancement of Liberian journalists in any way possible.
"My doors are open to you and all journalists in Liberia because I started my career as a journalist and those were some of my best experiences" Weeks recalled.
He went on to thank members of the Press Union of Liberia, including Daily Observer's Kenneth Best and Inquirer's Phillip Wesseh, who he said had been tremendous influences on his life and wellbeing.
Weeks commented, "these are people I see as incredible role models and will always look up to them for guidance."
Cellcom's provision of free internet service and a VPN network to allow Liberian journalists to speak to each other for free takes immediate effect and are available to journalists through the office of the Press Union of Liberia.
Source: allAfrica.
