BY MARK CUMMINGS

Observer West senior reporter

cummingsm@jamaicaobserver.com

ROSE HALL, St James —

TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant Digicel showcased its 4G broadband service to the Montego Bay business community last Friday, at a lavish cocktail party on the lawns of the historic Rose Hall Great House.

Invited guests at the well-attended affair included Robert Russell of Sumfest fame, Tourism Enhancement Fund chairman and gas station operator Godfrey Dyer, bankers Courtney Wilson, Maria Ho Sue, Stephen Dear, and Lance Duhaney, Real Estate developer Angella Witter; Issia Madden-Browne, Howard Ward and his wife along with the CEO of Cornwall Regional Hospital Everton Anderson.

Champagne, top-class liquors and a mouthwateringly delicious variety of hot and cold snacks were to be had, as Digicel rolled out the red carpet to its honoured guests.

Reggae band Rootz Underground band provided the music for the entertainment segment, which featured recording artiste Cherine Anderson.

Throughout the night guests were given the opportunity to see the 4G broadband Internet service at work.

Digicel CEO Mark Linehan, who delivered a short welcome, said the new offering which he claims is 10 times faster than 3G, will make Internet access more affordable for the majority of Jamaicans and will increase productivity.

“Research has shown that for every 10 per cent increase in broadband, that increases GDP per capita by 0.9 per cent to 1.5 per cent,” he told the gathering. “In time, the same way mobile phone penetration increased the efficiency and productivity of businesses and people, this will have a similar effect,” he added.

The fourth generation wireless Internet technology allows Jamaicans portable broadband whereby their wireless modem can be simply plugged into a wall socket.

“With Digicel 4G Broadband, we are making wireless broadband Internet an easy-to-access, affordable reality and empowering Jamaican people and businesses to get the best out of the Internet,” Linehan stressed.

The WiMax network initially covers 60 per cent of the Jamaican population, across 200 largely urban communities, with further roll out planned.

Linehan urged the businessmen who have not yet tried the service, to “buy it; try it; test it; and taste it — you are going to love it.”

Digicel hopes to make WiMax affordable and relevant to everyday Jamaicans and has partnered with several others companies including Courts, NCB and credit unions islandwide to offer financing packages for computers, laptops, net books and modems.

Laptop and modem packages are available at prices of $54,950 plus GCT and upwards. Modems cost $3,950 for prepaid customers and are free for postpaid customers.