The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) installed the “Hot Spot” οΎ— wireless antennas, which allows consumers to log onto the Internet at a wide range and is equipped to provide a quick connection, either with a laptop or personal data assistant.
Dr. Leon Higgs, COB’s president, called the new feature “extremely important as we move towards becoming the University of The Bahamas, we believe that the use of technology and having it available to our students is important for us.”
The new feature was installed after several COB patrons with laptops requested “a drop” to log on to the Internet, but the library was not equipped to provide the service. Following discussions with BTC, a wireless antenna was installed at the institute.
“What this means is that patrons of the library with possession of a laptop computer will have access to the Internet without being within the confines of the library. They can be outside the library. They do not have to be at a hard-wire computer in order to access the Internet,” said Dr. Higgs.
In turn, it will be easier for students and faculty members alike “to get the best information” and access all the research that they need.
“Many people now have laptop computers, and with that available now students can be out on the campus or at one of the other buildings. And, once we have other buildings wired, then students can be anywhere on the campus, accessing the Internet without being in the library.”
In another technology-friendly venture, COB students can soon be contacted through the institute’s website by name.
Dr. Higgs said, “Eventually, we will create our own e-mail system, whereby our students would have a COB account name and address. Just like a hotmail (or yahoo) account.”
Leon Williams, BTC Senior Vice-president and Chief Operations Officer and his team recently installed hot spots within the Grand Bahama International Airport and the House of Assembly.
“It is a part of BTC obligation in fulfilling the obligation of the Government of The Bahamas to provide Internet access, in particular, high speed Internet access to all citizens within the country,” said Mr. Williams.
He said there are plans to install hot spots at local high schools and tertiary institutes, including The College of The Bahamas’ Grand Bahama campus and the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
“BTC is obligated to provide this kind of service to all the schools and the College of The Bahamas free of charge, and so, we hope that it would beneficial to the students and the College of The Bahamas at large,” he added.
Besides the House of Assembly, hot spots have been recently installed in the Cabinet offices and the Senate chambers. More hot spots will be installed at the Nassau International Airport and at the Welcome Centre at Prince George Wharf.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
