MiPhone introduced the MiNet wireless Internet service as a part of its MiBiz portfolio on August 1. The new wireless service targets users who have signed on to business oriented Mi-Biz package and who operate in the Kingston and Portmore areas.

Vice President of information and technical services, Collin Webster, said the company's business customers preferred to have a one stop shop, and that MiNet would facilitate this.

LIKELY USERS

"MiNet is a business tool," he said. Users are likely to be business executive with a laptop computer having the required connectivity tools.

MiNet is a complete wireless package which may be connected to a mobile phone, a fixed wireless device or a laptop.

Vice President of sales and marketing, Alex Hill said he is anticipating that just under five per cent of the MiBiz customers will take on the new option. Ultimately, this number is expected to grow as the technology gains wider acceptance.

"It's a supplemental line of business," is how he described the expected revenue from the new product.

The concept of introducing its own wireless service has been under development for some time. Mr. Hill told Wednesday Business in May that the company was exploring the option and was conducting a series of tests before making a decision.

He said MiNet should not pose a threat to the four Internet service providers who are now in partnership with MiPhone. For persons who are not signed on to the Mi-Biz package, "we would direct them to one of the ISP's," he explained.

WIRELESS CONNECTIONS

Mr. Hill said they also planning to offer Internet services to those in communities without land lines who want Internet access.

"We think the individual consumers are best dealt with by the Internet Service Providers," said public relations specialist for MiPhone, Helen Allison-Minott. She added that the ISP's give Internet service including setting up e-mail addresses, while MiNet basically offers access to the Internet.

The MiBiz concept has already been copied by a competitor since it was introduced, Mr. Webster said. But he believes MiNet will not be copied because of the specialised advantages of the MiPhone system.

Mr. Hill said the company is considering expanding the offer to Montego Bay, although it has not set a specific time to do so. "People from Montego Bay have been calling requesting the service."

Jamaica's third largest cellular phone service provider, MiPhone had to overcome some initial stumbling blocks during the island's telecommunications deregulation. But over the past year it has taken on a new vitality and is fast expanding the reach of its network.

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