Wintel gives boost to wireless technology

Local wireless technology has been given a boost with the introduction of a new broadband system. West Indian Telecommunications Inc (WINTEL), an independent Internet provider, has partnered with Navini Networks of Brazil to bring a wireless broadband network to the local market. The four inches wide, two inches long device called the Nomad Ripwave and fondly labelled the Rabbit by its developers, is capable of transmitting a high speed Internet signal to over twenty computers at the same time. According to Peter Fung Kee Fung, head of Consumer Strategic Development for WINTEL, this network will be the first widespread broadband service offered locally. The Nomad Ripwave is a non-line-of-sight system that uses a patented beam to provide optimum signal, making it a revolutionary system on the local market. The beam is a variation from traditional wireless systems that use direct line of sight technology.  The beam transmits to WINTEL’s base station on Fort George. The station has a 3-mile range but Fung Kee Fung said they have been able to pick up signals on a longer range. “Through our relationship with Allplus Computer Systems we were able to see what Navini could do. And we realised this technology was what Trinidad needed,” said Fung Kee Fung.

He said while many people feel the local market is not ready for this type of advanced technology, all their research has shown otherwise. Currently no other independent provider or TSTT offers this service locally. This wireless system takes Internet access and video conferencing to a higher level. According to Fung Kee Fung the Nomad Ripwave is a third generation system that local businessmen are dying to get their hands on. The company has been going around giving demonstrations to anyone who is interested and according to Fung Kee Fung, the response has been tremendous. The company’s current service area is Diego Martin, Petit Valley, Westmoorings, Port-of-Spain, Maraval, Cascade and St Ann’s. While the company is currently targetting businesses with the Nomad Ripwave, it plans to focus on residential markets throughout Trinidad and Tobago within the upcoming year. Even though the system is extremely sensitive to the signal from the base station, certain factors can affect the strength of the transmission. Paper and vinyl walls, solid and pre-cast concrete limit signal penetration to a 2 wall coverage. Wood and drywall allow signal for 5 to 6 walls. However, Fung Kee Fung said weak signals can be strengthen by connecting a small antenna to the Nomad Ripwave. He also said interference from devices operating on the same frequency will not affect the Ripwave’s performance. Usually items like microwaves and cordless phones cause interference but the system has a built-in digital processing algorithm that allows you to operate in the presence of interference.