THE INTERNET - Now it's the wireless version

The changes and growth in technology are both rapid and mind-boggling. Everywhere you turn there is something new and exciting. Remember when the Internet came into being how you had to dial up, and yes, remember how slow it was to download material?

Well, today all of that has changed. There is now broadband technology which allows for greater speed and efficiency. Already, Jamaica is not very far away from these advancements and is making a plunge into the inevitable. Citizens are becoming aware of the diverse hi-tech facilities and services available to them.

Now after all that entanglement with the lines, cords and wires with the telephone, dial-up access, ADSL, there is now wireless Internet technology. Though the wireless providers are limited in Jamaica, they do exist, and one such provider is J2 Limited.

"Starting out a year ago with partner Julian Edwards, we saw the opportunity to provide wireless Internet service," Julian Spence, managing director of J2 Limited, told TeenAge. Spence said a lot of planning and homework went into the establishment of J2; so designated because the principals are both named Julian.

But why wireless Internet? What are the advantages and what are the costs involved? Well, installation is easy.

A reliable service is provided, and there are no telephone charges. After the initial installation fee is paid only the required monthly fee is necessary and J2 provides very competitive rates that are lower than our main competitors. There are no rental fees or anything of that nature.

Of course there are none of those unsightly wires in your homes or offices and again the service is very fast and reliable, Spence said. Costs for the J2 wireless Internet service range from US$40.00 to US$100.00.

Although presently only available in the corporate area and Portmore, J2 is planning to expand to other areas of St Catherine, and other parishes soon.

"Because of our cost-effective plan and our need to be affordable for our customers, we are a great step ahead for the e-business industry."

Already J2 is looking to provide not only wireless Internet services but Video Camera Surveillance as well.

"We are now looking to supply selected customers with Video Camera Surveillance, where customers are able to watch their property via the Internet.

This new service will be ideal for small business owners and homeowners who would like to keep an eye on their assets," Spence said.