I NOTE the news item in Thursday's Chronicle headed `Prime Minister warns Internet, TV outfits...'

Guyana National Milling Company (NAMILCO) was probably the first company to request this service from I-Net Communication Inc. having been told that permission was granted to the company to offer a high speed, high bandwidth and cost-effective method to transmit and receive data communications via state-of-the-art wireless network.

At the time we thought it was heartening that a company was willing to invest in this cutting edge technology especially since a similar service was not being offered by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

The decision to join I-Net was based on an evaluation done by our Head Office personnel who decided against GT&T based on cost and service provided at that time.

Since installation, we have found this service extremely useful in communicating and transmitting information rapidly to/from our Head Office.

In business, timeliness of information is critical and on hindsight, we could say with confidence that this service has enabled us to run our business more efficiently.

I can recall the service was down only once since installation a year ago. Internet Service Providers could say how many times the service via GT&T was down.

I do not know if the laws of Guyana have been updated to regulate Internet service, but I am indeed worried by the Prime Minister's statement that he may order the closure of this service.

I am sure I speak for the rest of the I-Net clients, many of whom have to maintain contact externally, that this would be a setback for many businesses that have invested considerable sums of money in networking their computers internally and externally with their principals abroad.

In addition, we paid a considerable sum of money for the installation of this service and the disruption would have costly consequences for our operations.

We hope that whatever is the problem that exists among the players involved, it could be resolved so that this pioneering company could be allowed to operate.

In regards to the Cable Network, again this company started a service which many consumers were anxious to have.

At least clients are able to choose what they wish to see (within the confines of the 39 channels offered) instead of being forced to watch what the owners of the television stations would like you to look at.

We sould be proud of these entrepreneurs who have kept abreast of technology and are capable of creating a niche market for the benefit of businesses and other international organisations in Guyana.

They should not be frustrated by red tape or pressures from big businesses.

R. SUKHAI