COLIS Internet Service has broken new ground in the information technology sector with the introduction of wireless Internet - the first of its kind in Jamaica.Wireless Internet allows subscribers full Internet access from their computers without the use of the telephone. The benefits of wireless Internet include no telephone charges, speeds of up to 30 times faster than a dial-up connection, cost effective and dedicated Internet connection which guarantees continuous internet access within COLIS' roaming zone.
COLIS Internet's unique wireless state-of-the-art technology utilises 2.4 Ghz antenna arrays and transceivers that incorporate the latest in spread spectrum frequency-hopping transmissions for high speed data transmission.
"COLIS Internet's wireless service utilises extremely stable and secure radio technology to transmit data between COLIS base station and a subscriber's location.
This service requires line-of-sight within an optimal distance; therefore, we perform transmission tests at every site to make sure wireless is an option," explains, managing director, Robert Lawrence.
"As the holder of two frequencies on the spread spectrum band issued by the Government, COLIS is able to offer wireless Internet services to clients at tremendous savings when compared to the more costly alternative of renting a leased telephone line," says Mr. Lawrence.
COLIS Internet Service now boasts the fastest Internet access speed in Jamaica, having recently undergone massive improvements. The improvements included the expansion of the company's bandwidth to facilitate greater through-put (no delays or losses) in file transfer and website access thereby substantially reducing download time and enhancing the quality of users' online experience.
COLIS will officially launch its wireless Internet service on April 2000 at the official opening of its branch office in St. Catherine.
Last year, COLIS Internet Service was rated the best Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Jamaica in The Gleaner's Best of Jamaica 2000 competition.
COLIS Internet Service is a division of CompuWorks, an eight-year old information technology company.
COLIS Internet Service was the first company to offer commercial internet services to Jamaicans in 1994 thereby allowing Jamaica's participation in the growing global information superhighway.
At present, CompuWorks holds one of only four VSAT licenses issued by the Government of Jamaica to Internet Service Providers (ISP) for the purpose of internet and data services locally and internationally. Through its satellite earth station that was set up in 1998, the company has expanded its operations to enable users to access the internet through the fastest network systems.
The company is also licensed as wireless network operators.
"Our vision of the future drives us in the direction of providing efficient links between our local businesses and the economy. We strongly believe that we have a responsibility to help position Jamaica on the world stage in this new Information Age."
Taken from Financial Gleaner, March 9, 2001
