Wireless Internet supplies speed, mobility for businesses

As technology advances, businesses of all sorts are exploring the benefits of wireless Internet.

Wireless Internet is available to consumers through their PCs and hand-held devices such as personal digital assistants and cell phones.

Steve Powell, president of Atlas Communications, said wireless Internet offers convenience to business customers.

"It uses a radio signal to send digital information from one point to another. For businesses that need a high-speed application but don't want to pay for extra phone lines, wireless offers a reliable, cost-effective way to go," said Powell.

Atlas Communications specializes in equipping computers and computer networks with wireless capabilities.

"It can be a little more expensive up front because there is more equipment and more installation involved," Powell said. "But the monthly costs are lower, so in the long run you can get a broadband connection for less money."

"For a company with 30 or fewer employees you're looking at a ballpark figure of $100 to $300 up front for installation and equipment, assuming they have a network in place, and depending on the (speed of connection) they desire. Monthly costs can range from $35 to a couple hundred dollars," Powell said.

Wireless Internet for PCs is a relatively new technology, according to Regan Walker, systems engineer and Web developer for Tablerock Net.

"Wireless Internet on your phone and wireless Internet on your computer are two different kinds of Internet connection. "Wireless Internet for your computer, so far, lacks the regulations that govern the phone companies. So Internet service providers have to be very competitive with one another so customers can get a better deal," said Walker.

Wireless Internet also provides quicker transmission times for businesses.

"Probably the most common types of businesses we service are those who not only do a lot of work over the Internet, but also have to transmit and receive large files architects, engineers, and media companies, for example. The wireless signal lends itself very nicely to that sort of work," said Powell.

Another practical aspect of wireless Internet is the mobility it offers, particularly with Internet service available in conjunction with cellular phone service.

"It's just like the Internet you have on your computer, except it's on your phone," said Chief Communications President Mark Dickey. "It allows businesses to better allocate their resources while they are in the field."

Chief Communications is an authorized Nextel representative; Nextel is one of a number of cellular companies to offer wireless Internet.

"There is no limit to what types of businesses can benefit from this technology; it has real-world applications that are saving businesses time and money," said Dickey.

"Nextel has one program which couples wireless Internet service with a GPS tracking system, which is very useful for customers who have fleets of vehicles. It can show locations of vehicles; log mileage for tax purposes. It performs functions that can really streamline an operation," he added.

Another of Nextel's programs is MH2Build, a program geared towards contractors.

"It is a system used nationally by home builders. Basically it is a Web-based scheduling system and resource management tool. It allows project supervisors to save money by alerting subcontractors, suppliers and workers of last-minute scheduling changes," said Dickey.

Prices for Nextel's Internet service vary, depending on the type of equipment.

"It can cost anywhere from 99 cents to $300 per phone," Dickey said.

"You pay for Internet services in addition to your regular rate plan. Internet services cost $10 to $15 with two plans offering different levels of Web access," Dicke added.

Regardless of the form, wireless Internet has significant implications for the business community.

"Wireless Internet is part of the future of Internet," said Walker, "it has room for improvement, room for growth, room for profit and service."