TRAVELLERS using Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) can now access the Internet through Cable and Wireless’ wireless Internet access facility – Hot Spot – located in the airport’s departure lounge.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch of the facility, C&WJ’s senior vice-president, Internet, voice and data, Roger Richards, said the service was one of the best ways to establish Jamaica as a “major business hub with first-world technology”.

The facility, he added, should leave a lasting impression on tourists and business people who come to the island daily.

Earl Richards, CEO of the NMIA, told the Observer that the launch of the high-speed Internet service was a significant expansion in the airport’s technological infrastructure.

He said, too, that the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) will be implementing more sophisticated technologies to improve its efficiency over the coming months.

Hot Spot, according to the CWJ vice-president, took some three months to be implemented, and was set up at a cost of US$6,000.

Effective February 1 next year, the hourly rate for the service will be US$4.50, while the daily rate will be US$15.00. Payment for this access may be by credit, said the C&W vice-president, but made it clear that the service was not just for CWJ subscribers.

However, the service primarily targets international as well as domestic business travellers. Lloyd Distant, C&WJ vice-president, business services, said the service will enable travellers to make calls, video-conference or watch television.

“The bandwidth on this technology is greater than the bandwidth of a mobile phone,” Distant said, as he demonstrated the service using a laptop.