InfoChannel acquires JOL Internet access business INFOCHANNEL, ONE of the Caribbean's leading Internet service providers (ISPs), has acquired the Internet access business of Jamaica On-line Information Services Ltd. (JOL). According to chief executive officer of Infochannel, Mr. Patrick Terrelonge, his company has "acquired 100 per cent 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, one of the first Internet Service Providers in Jamaica, maintained one of the widest portfolios of Internet Services including Internet access, virtual services, streaming audio/video and customised business solutions. Under the arrangement, InfoChannel will, after a transition period, absorb the Internet access component of the existing JOL portfolio into its own operation. This will enable the principals and shareholders of JOL to own and operate Jamaica On-line Information Services Ltd. which will continue to be involved in the other value added areas of the Internet and telecommunications industry, excluding the provision of dialup 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 is strategically repositioning itself to provide its business clientele with a portfolio of novel products and services and customised business solutions which leverage the extensive capabilities of the Internet. Dr. Latchman is confident that JOL's Internet access subscribers will 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 start 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, "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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