Today in one household, multiple users may be simultaneously browsing the Internet, and they are not simply checking their email.
Mum might be video calling her sister in the United States, dad might be downloading how-to video guides on a special project or even streaming it on his smart TV. Children are competing in a video game competition against someone in China, the Caribbean or somewhere else in the world.
Or, they are blogging about achievements in a school project to classrooms in the region or in North America, posting both video and texts. All this is happening at the same time and right now. And all of this requires the bandwidth that we bring to the market.
At the offices, people are consuming large amounts of data. Connection to the global marketplace has become paramount. Businesses large and small require stable connectivity to ensure business continuity. Moreover, as the demand for data grows, how we store and access files is changing.
Cloud-based solutions to companies to focus on growing their businesses, rather than investing the traditional capital required for large servers and related back office solutions.
A country with an advanced broadband infrastructure, one like we are describing, now has another significant national asset. Look to nations such as Singapore or the Philippines, who have transformed their economies by attracting foreign investments due to advancements made in their telecoms infrastructure.
In the region, countries like Jamaica have secured large IT outsourcing firms who choose the country as a business destination against more traditional countries such as India.
Today the Government of Jamaica is focused on building a strong outsourcing industry for increased job creation and wealth generation, based on the telecommunications infrastructure that is now available on the island.
This is what our infrastructure facilitates.
As we officially start our journey in Barbados, we are very much aware that we have many challenges ahead and that the investment in technology, programming and services is only meaningful if we can demonstrate our ability and our commitment to support these services.
As such, a major component of our business model here in Barbados is the training and development plan that ensures existing and new employees have the skills that they require to provide the level of service that all customers demand, and deserve.
Our most important pillar of corporate social responsibility is “Enabling Learning Through Technology”, whereby every single primary and secondary school that our footprint passes will receive free broadband, free educational Cable TV and discounted telephony services.
It is extremely rewarding to see how this is translated in the various countries and how young people are transforming their world with our technology in the countries we serve.
We have seen primary schools set up an on-line radio station to broadcast positive messages about achievements, we have seen schools create Wi-Fi zones where lessons are shared on the web, where teachers create their own math and English teaching software to enhance performance in these areas.
We are eager to see how teachers and students in Barbados will incorporate technology into their learning and teaching environments.
We are also committed to developing sports as well as arts and culture.
These are integral assets to the social fabric of the Caribbean.
Please take time to understand how we have worked with many groups in the region to showcase, enhance and develop individuals, groups and organizations across the region.
• John Reid is president and chief operating officer of Columbus Communications.
