The government of Antigua and Barbuda has expanded its utility amnesty programme to include internet services, in a move aimed at reconnecting households that have been cut off due to outstanding bills.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the decision followed public feedback, noting that access to internet connectivity is now considered essential alongside electricity and water.

He explained that the initiative is designed to assist vulnerable families who have fallen behind on payments, allowing them to restore services and improve their standard of living.

Browne added that the programme reflects a broader approach to governance, where policies are shaped through ongoing engagement with the public and adjusted to meet emerging needs.

The amnesty forms part of wider social support efforts targeting low-income households, with the government maintaining that no one should be left without access to basic and increasingly essential services.

The inclusion of internet access is expected to benefit families reliant on connectivity for education, work and communication, particularly in underserved communities.