Read our feature article in The Chamber eVersion  

Living on an island used to be a synonym for isolation, but in the age of global communication that is no longer the case. Due to its position as a major player in the offshore financial industry, communication is of vital importance for the Cayman Islands, much more so than for many other islands of similar size.

It is little wonder then that improved telecommunications technology has played a major role in the development of Cayman’s economy and had a big impact in moving the country from ‘the islands that time forgot’ to a position as a player on the world stage.

Over the years, LIME has had a big impact on the way of life in Cayman, from the first telephone call in 1966, the cable link between Cayman and Jamaica in 1972, the first satellite earth station in 1979, to mobile phone service in 1987 and the optical fibre network in 1991.

Now, in 2011, the company will introduce a 4G mobile network to Grand Cayman, with the Sister Islands following early in 2012.

This brings the Cayman Islands level with the most developed countries in the world when it comes to mobile data speeds and well ahead of some others. Cayman will be the first country in the Caribbean in which LIME will be rolling out a 4G mobile network, a testament to the traditionally quick uptake of new technologies in the country.

The possibilities of the new technology are astounding. With data speeds of up to 21.1Mbps, versus the peak data speed of 384kbps on the EDGE data network, the incoming HSPA+ system will generate a completely new user experience.

“If you put that into context of where we are today, it’s 60 times faster than what we’ve got today, and the fact is that for most people who have a basic broadband system at home it’s going to look and feel similar,” says Alan Dodds, Commercial Programmes Director with LIME.

What the high data speed means for business is that accessing large files while away from the office will be quick and easy, and video conferencing from anywhere on the Island will be hitch free.

Imagine doing a video conference from the beach to a client in a wintery London office or showing a house to an overseas client through a real time walk through. That is the potential this technology holds to change the way business is conducted.

Another projected use of the technology is allowing the live streaming of video from security cameras to a mobile device, allowing users to monitor their business premises from anywhere on Island.

“The view that we share is that it’s about imagining possibilities. In some cases businesses have come to us already with some good ideas. The possibilities are almost endless when you think how much more you can do, how much you can change that experience,” says Anthony Ritch, General Manager of LIME Cayman Islands.

The increase in mobile browsing speed, coupled with the emergence of more powerful devices like tablet computers has the potential to really change the way people do business.

“So it’s not just a case of ‘I’ve got the email, I see it, and I’ll wait until I get back to the office to do work on it’.

I think you’re going to see more tablets emerging and people spending more time away from the office actually being productive because there is no need to go back to the office to receive a big file – it’s now going to be presented to you a lot more quickly, a lot more efficiently, and you then with a fairly advanced device can make better use of your time,” says Ritch.

However, due to the backwards compatible nature of the HSPA+ network, those who already own 3G capable mobile devices will see an immediate change in their mobile data experience the day the new network goes live.

“People need not feel too concerned about getting rid of their 3G Blackberry for the next 4G thing that’s coming out, they’re still going to get a good experience, but people who want the absolute maximum experience can get a 4G device” says Dodds.

The devices available with the technology will include 4G dongles that can be plugged into laptops to allow access to the network wherever you are and Dodds expects that at least initially this will be the biggest growth sector for business users in Cayman.

“Most of the smartphones out there today can probably be used as a 4G modem for the laptop, so in a lot of cases they won’t have to go to the extra cost of buying a USB dongle. But the USB dongles are going to be very affordable. It’s simple, most of them you pop them in and they’re self installing, they install the software off the dongle itself and you’re up and running,” according to Dodds.

Another piece of equipment that could be very useful for business is the so-called MyFi type device. It is a portable WiFi hotspot, small enough to fit in your pocket that allows up to five WiFi enabled devices to connect to the 4G network. With no setup time involved and absolute portability, the device holds a lot of potential for businesses.

“If you’ve got to set up an office facility very, very quickly, and Internet is critical to you, you can walk in and walk out the same day and take that with you and your service will be up and running,” says Dodds.

The LIME 4G network is set to launch in September. Keep checking www.lime.com for updates and  information.