InfoChannel, one
of the Caribbean’s leading Internet Service Providers,
has acquired the Internet access business of Jamaica
Online Information Services Ltd. (JOL). This announcement
was made today by Chief Executive Officer of InfoChannel,
Mr. Patrick Terrelonge.
Mr. Terrelonge said
his company has “acquired 100% of JOL's Internet
access business and this is a further step in our expansion
plan for InfoChannel.” With the acquisition, JOL
subscribers will now enjoy enhanced customer services
including more customer support hours, island-wide local
call access, global roaming with iPass and overall expanded
technical infrastructure.
JOL was one of the
first Internet Service Providers in Jamaica and maintained
one of the widest portfolios of Internet Services, including
Internet access, virtual services, streaming audio/video
and customized business solutions. Under the arrangement
announced today, InfoChannel will, after a transition
period, absorb the Internet access component of the
existing JOL portfolio into its own operation, whereby
enabling the principals and shareholders of JOL to own
and operate Jamaica Online Information Services Ltd.
(JOL) which will continue to be involved in the other
value added areas of the Internet and telecommunications
industry excluding the provision of dial-up Internet
access.
JOL is relinquishing
the Internet access business to focus on a range of
value added services.
According to director, Professor Haniph Latchman the
company was strategically repositioning itself to provide
its business clientele with a portfolio of novel products
and services and customized business solutions which
leverage the extensive capabilities of the Internet.
Dr. Latchman was confident that JOL's Internet access
subscribers would continue to receive the same level
of cost effective and flexible internet access services
from InfoChannel that they had come to expect from JOL.
Mr. Terrelonge said
existing InfoChannel customers will benefit from additional
telecommunications facilities and more cost effective
services which are “all part of the growth plan
for our company”. This includes high speed, DSL
(Digital Subscriber Line) service which is expected
to be started in October and mobile and fixed wireless
Internet capability in conjunction with its partner
Centennial, which will be available early next year”.
Mr. Terrelonge also
added that, “we are actively pursuing further ISP
acquisitions and detailed discussions are now taking
place in this regard.” Earlier this year, InfoChannel
also acquired World Telenet International Limited, one
of the then top ISPs in Jamaica.
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