Netstream Global offers voice over IP/ voice over broadband international calling products, with packages starting at US$24.99 plus GCT per month for unlimited calls to US and Canada.  The Netstream Global service gives Jamaican subcribers phone numbers with US area codes, so people calling them pay the cost of a local call if they have matching area codes.  Netstream Global as reseller for Net2Phone, reflects locally the trend that has been booming internationall led by America's industry leaders and brands including Vonage.  The company knows that Jamaicans love to talk alot and that there are about 2 million Jamaicans living outside of the country.  So Jamaicans at home have lots of people to talk to and about.

Like Vonage, Netstream Global's services are for people with a DSL broadband internet connection and there are not many using that service here in Jamaica - yet.  But with Cable & Wireless PLC (UK) giving instructions to its Jamaican branch, to roll out DSL to 350,000 of the 500,000 landline subscribers by offering 50% discount of modems and a waive of installation fees, there is much possibility there - even though C&W Jamaica may soon launch their own Voice over IP products.

In addition to that, earlier this year, the Government of Jamaica granted two licences for the construction and operation of two submarine fibre optic cable networks linking Jamaica to North America and the rest of the world- effectively ending Cable & Wireless’s fibre links monopoly.  So JA$5 billion and eight months from now, Fibralinks Jamaica and Trans Caribbean Cable Company (TCCC), the two licence holders, will herald in a boom in Internet Access here.  Why?  Greater bandwidth capacity means greater choices available to corporate and residential consumers, so there will be opportunities for start up Internet Service providers (ISPs) to offer DSL and Cable Internet access services and all value added services that can come from that.  Interesting times ahead.  FYI: There are now 16 ISPs open in Jamaica of the 72 ISPs licences that have been granted over the last 4 years by the government of Jamaica.

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it is a tech and telecom industry trend analyst who has been covering Tech and Telecom in Jamaica and the Caribbean for the past seven years.  She also has 12 years experience in media, communications and publishing.