The new service, dubbed Wireless Fidelity, or 'Wi-Fi' Internet access, will allow users to access the Internet on enabled devices such as laptops and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and receive data wirelessly at ultra-fast speeds.
Presently being "beta-tested" and available free of charge, the proposed service was demonstrated in the House of Assembly by Leon Williams, BTC senior vice president and chief operations officer.
Welcoming the new technology, Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts, said, "Here in Parliament more and more of our members are becoming high-tech, and they must remain in communication with their offices. That is easy to do with a PDA or a laptop. This cuts down on the usage of the telephone."
The Wi-Fi technology will be beta-tested in the House of Assembly, the Senate, Cabinet Office, the Eugene Dupuch Law School and The College of The Bahamas.
Other "beta-testing" locations are expected to include the domestic and international departure lounges of Nassau and Freeport International Airports, and the Welcome Center at Prince George Dock.
According to Mr. Williams, wireless Internet analysts have predicted an explosion in the Wi-Fi industry, with an expected growth rate of approximately 30 percent, and, "As a result, BTC has initiated steps to take advantage of this emerging market in order to assist in preparing The Bahamas to meet the requirements and demands of an economy driven by e-commerce."
Wi-Fi transmitters have been installed in various "hot spots" which allow persons using a laptop or hand-held device with "Wi-Fi 802.11b" wireless capability to access the Internet. No additional software is required, and the technology will work on any operating system with a compatible, Internet-ready browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
The cost to BTC of installing the "beta-testing hot spots" was estimated at $50,000. The company is currently offering the service free while it is in the testing phase but marketing plans include subscription charges.
Wi-Fi is by far the latest development in Internet technology, Mr. Williams said, describing its implementation by BTC as the company's commitment to keeping The Bahamas on the cutting edge.
"The ease and absolute convenience of mobile Internet access will ultimately be realized when 'hot spots' exist throughout the island," Mr. Williams said, "placing the Internet, which is rapidly becoming an integral part of the average Bahamian's daily life, practically everywhere."
By Martella Matthews, The Nassau Guardian
