By Jim Jamieson-Staff Reporter

After the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the U.S., companies are looking to the virtual world to solve travel concerns.

Companies that routinely send executives jetting across the continent are now considering video-conferencing and Internet based collaboration for meetings.

"Since Sept.11, I've had about half a dozen inquiries with respect to web casting and video-conferencing," said Al Mattrick, of Burnaby based INSINC.

The cost is variable, but a typical meeting that goes for an hour comes in a about $3,000. The quality is close to broadcast TV, he said.

Telus, which also offers video-conferencing through studios in Edmonton Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, says it has seen a jump of 20 to 35 per cent in business bookings.

"Some customers have told us that given the logistics of flying now, they are considering it more," said Telus spokesman Doug Strachan.