THE EDITOR, Sir:I AM writing from the United States in response to a recent article in the electronic edition of The Gleaner, regarding the implementation of broadband technology for the betting and gaming industry in Jamaica. This is a good proposal, but it may have inherent problems if the method used to deploy this technology is wireless. What strikes me most is that the company who will be contracted to set this up has said that the technology was used in the U.S., without saying that it was abandoned by the Navy and other U.S. agencies for security reasons.
Despite what they are saying about encryption and all that, wireless technology is still far from secure as they may have us believe. Any computer savvy person, with a wireless laptop can get into that system and do whatever they please. A wired system using the existing cable networks that are now operating in the island would be a better choice.
Having said all that, for a small island, Jamaica has two many wireless networks, and I'm of the opinion that islandwide leak detection is not being monitored. It is only a matter of time before we have a major catastrophe when these signals get out of hand and disrupt aeronautical control.
In the U.S., there are stringent rules laid down by the FAA and FCC for the continuous monitoring of cable companies and to contain signal egress in the plant as in the past there have been some instances where aircraft navigations were disrupted by cable systems signal leakages. I think we should have the same scrutiny for our cable plants.
I am, etc.,
LLOYD D. SCOTT,
Broadband Technologist
57 & Girard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131
USA
Via Go-Jamaica
