I did this years ago when Earthlink only a an 800 charge line by the minute. I'm not sure it's really worth it anymore. I think you can villas, many having connections. There are internet cafes. It's even gotten better over at Gallows where we stay, wireless in all units so nice for us laptopers. You might check around and you should find it easy to get online.

Oh, by the way you might need to get viaccess disc with the setup.

Bluwater,

VIAccess is dial-up. Other local companies are surfVI (13.96/month, no contracts, 7 free email addresses) and the local telephone company (PowerNet). There's an off-islander who operates a dial-up ISP called Pennswoods. You can also use some off-island providers- I'm not sure who has local dial-in numbers.

Best,

LR

Thanks. I guess its best to ensure that a villa has a dSL connection already arranged if you plan to bring a laptop or you need access beyond dial-up.

I sign up for "viaccesss" every year. I use the same email address each time. I am usually on island a month or two during the winter. It is dial up and usually about $20 a month.

The sign up process is "usual VI" and can take up to several hours of your time.

But, then you are online with a regular access.

I plan to do so again this winter.

viaccess.net is offered by Choice Communications, and in some location (like here at Cowpet Bay) it can be DSL.

Max

Earthlink has a local number for St. Thomas and St. John. I also use earthlink when I travel to the states. I find it more reliable than viaccess. DSL coverage is pricey and depends where you are located whether or not it is available.

Max et al,

Just a quick clarification- no one except the local telephone company (Innovative) offers DSL in the Virgin Islands. Many people offer high speed (broadband) internet, but DSL is, by definition, delivered via the copper telephone line infrastructure. Since Innovative is an ILEC (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier)- we have no CLECs down here (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier)- they are in essence a monopoly, and the only ones who can utilize the copper infrastructure here.

That's not necessarily a boon- if you look around, in many places, the copper lines are spliced, hanging open to the elements, etc.

Best,

LR

Loyal Reader -

I'm kind of new to the wonderful world of broadband, but I just signed up for "wireless DSL" from Choice. Is that still tied to Innovative's wiring in some way (I hope NOT!)?

I get it thru the cable wireless system, and then a modem which connects to my router via ethernet, then ethernet to my desktop, and wireless to my laptop.

Max

I have Choice on STX. It works soooooo much better than Innovative's wireless DSL. I tried them both and there was no comparison at all. The only catch is that you have to live within line of sight to one of Choice's repeater towers to be able to use their service. And the little flat panel receiver is much less obtrusive on the house than the much larger satellite dish style receivers that Innovative uses.