Hello Geoff,

Here is what Loyal Reader, a board user posted about this a few weeks ago:

Satellite internet is available here. It's called Starband. I believe that Cal and Renee (Bumble's Ice/Satellite Entertainment Services) offer it. Their number is 340-779-1588.

Big disadvantage to satellite is that although you can sometimes get some great download speeds, upload is usually awful, and quality of service can be poor.
This is due to latency- in order to get service, the dish has to 'beam' your traffic up into space, then back down again, then up again- even the speed of light isn't fast enough!

We're on the edge of satellite footprints (satellites are usually placed wrt population density, and there aren't as many of us down here!) as well.

Satellite is really ideal for one-way distribution of identical content to many sites (hence, satellite TV usually works great). Cal and Renee offer satellite TV, too- it's called DishNetwork. We have it and love it. Weather can affect it, but we noticed the same thing stateside.

Satellite's not viable for VoIP (Voice over IP) or VPN (Virtual Private Networks). There's limited upstream bandwidth, which can make for a very frustrating web experience.

We face some unique networking challenges here in the VI. We're in the middle of the ocean. Bandwidth is therefore very expensive. Things take longer down here (as everyone knows). We have unique terrain (verrrry hilly in some parts- hence, valleys and peaks to deal with). Then there's the weather...

Geoff,

Depending where you're facing, you might be able to get wireless high-speed internet.

774-5780 surfVI/Ackley Communications.

Choice Communications also offers it- not sure what their # is offhand.

Best,

LR

Try Cal at Satellite Entertainment Services on St. Thomas - 779-1588 (he is off island until after New Years). I have had good service with Starband on St. John, as sold and serviced by Cal. (Starband is www.starband.com)

Brad.
Starlit Escape Villa