Jamaican start-up ReadyNet has teamed up with US satellite firm Viasat to stage a satellite broadband demonstration in Portland, on the north-east of the island. The trial was attended by representatives of government agencies such as the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET); the government is said to be evaluating various countrywide alternatives to its existing terrestrial broadband links. To date, Viasat and ReadyNet have deployed four test sites across Jamaica, covering government and educational facilities in Portland, Westmoreland, Rockfort and Kenilworth.
Chris Dehring, CEO of ReadyNet, commented: ‘The collaboration between Viasat and ReadyNet creates an opportunity for many Jamaican business owners and government officials to use satellite broadband in new ways … Because of its capabilities, we are exploring ways to deliver Viasat’s satellite internet service to connect multiple Caribbean territories.’