Caribbean rain - Government Activity

Communications News, May, 2000 by Sean Kelly

The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) needed a more reliable, high-speed network to handle a large amount of highly confidential, legal, and financial data. The local wired infrastructure was so weak, even light rains could disrupt service--and damage from hurricanes could shut down the network. The local telephone company could not efficiently handle these weather-related problems, and often took days to restore service.

The U.S.V.I.'s Department of Education faced similar issues when trying to build a network to connect schools and education buildings on three islands. Wave Wireless Networking eventually installed SPEEDLAN weather resistant solutions, which greatly improved connectivity--leading the government to turn to the Sarasota, Fla.-based company for its project.

Wave Wireless--working with one of its Caribbean distributors, NetWorks, Inc.--designed and engineered the government's new network, enhancing and replacing the wire-based system. For the wireless backbone, St. Thomas and St. Croix were linked with a DS-3 microwave link. On each island, SPEEDLAN high-speed, point-to-point wireless links provide connectivity to the various government offices. SPEEDCOM quad and T1/E1 links connect all key police department radio sites, providing two-way radio coverage across all islands. Government employees can now gather and share information faster and more efficiently.

The initial phase of the network connects the FBI, U.S. Justice and Finance departments, U.S. Attorney's Office, IRS, and police departments. This phase, which cost an estimated $750,000, was completed in February. All agencies will be connected by midyear.

www.speedlan.com

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