LIME to launch 4G network in April

Leslie Jack, Country manager for LIME St Vincent and the Grenadines, has confirmed that Vincentians will soon be able to enjoy 4G technology on their smart phones.{{more}}

Jack, speaking on the occasion of the official handing over of a computer lab at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) on Tuesday, announced that the technology, commonly known as 4G would be introduced in April this year.

He told SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday that the telecommunications company is currently reviewing and reducing the cost of its data packages, in anticipation of 4G.

“And to ensure that everybody can take advantage of the improved data service on the mobile,” Jack explained.

He further stated that the relevant infrastructure is also being installed.

Senator Camillo Gonsalves, Minister with responsibility for Information Technology, during his address at the handing over, commented that there was a problem with the current unavailability of mobile broadband in the country.

“It is non-existent in St Vincent and the Grenadines, which is why I am happy to hear that 4G is on its way,” the minister said.

He said most apps that are being developed today can only be accessed at wifi hotspots. Gonsalves further stated that EDGE technology only allowed for the sending of emails and text messages.

According to the minister, it is critical that local telecommunications companies provide the public with broadband mobile Internet.

He however said that he had been working along with LIME and the other telecommunications providers to have this become a reality and to have it done in an expeditious manner.

The 4G technology is the fourth generation of mobile phone communication technology standards. It is the successor to the third generation (3G) standards and provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access to laptops with USB wireless modems, smartphones and to other mobile devices. (DD)