Internet options

Broadband VI is you best option.

+1 for Broadband VI. They have the best customer service and up time.

If your SmartPhone tethers, I suggest tethering vs signing-up with a provider.

Location and landlord restrictions will be a big factor. There are many buildings in C'sted that cell service is non-existent without a repeater (some landlords won't allow an external set up) so tethering may not be an option. If you can get Broadband in that location it is probably the best option.

Forget Choice or Innovative...you'll be very unhappy.

What is tethering? And how do I go about it? And how much does it cost? Thank you guys!!

Forget Choice or Innovative...you'll be very unhappy.

I'm not unhappy with Innovative but I absolutely was very unhappy with Choice. Whatever minor issues I have with Innovative I think will be over once their new system reaches my area (which I'm sure will be one of the last hooked up). The extra expense of Broadband VI is way too much for my budget and needs!

What is tethering? And how do I go about it? And how much does it cost? Thank you guys!!

Tethering is when you use your smartphone's internet capability to provide a internet connection to other devices, kinda like a WIFI hotspot. Not all cell phone companies allow people to Tether devices. AT&T for instance I think doesn't allow you to do so but as much as they have changed their policies on data usage I could be mistaken.

Choice is a good option if you like looking at a box that has a lot of blinky lights but for internet service is pretty useless otherwise.

Innovative does DSL and the new EVO service ( if you are in the EVO coverage area ). The EVO service is slightly cheaper that Broadband VI's service but it also is nowhere near as fast. From the speed test reports that I have seen posted by people on St. Croix ( know they are planning same for STT but don't know if it is up yet, Beeski could answer that) with the $99.00 package from Broadband they are averaging speeds 4-5 times faster than the Innovative EVO service. I can say that since I took some service from BBVI in my office I have been well pleased. Never really had downtime and the speeds have always been good and customer service has always been nice....

I don't want to be paying $100 a month, because it will just be me using it and I spend half my time over at my boyfriends. I would prefer overall cheapest, but something that will work. It appears to me that choice seems to be not worth it, which is good to know.

So the tethering, would that mean I would have to buy more GB of data or do they offer plans?

I heard from a person on STX that went on the new Innovative EVO service back in January 2013. They bundled phone, internet and cable and it only worked for 2 weeks and that was months ago. This person has dumped them and gone with Broadband VI, DISH tv and cell phone only.

I don't want to be paying $100 a month.

Broadband VI starts at $50/month.

I would prefer overall cheapest, but something that will work.

You can't have it both ways. Pick one. (I suggest that you pick "will work", which means Broadband VI)

Your option may depend on your location but I'd vote for BBVI, if it is available in your area.

If your SmartPhone tethers, I suggest tethering vs signing-up with a provider.

Agreed, that's what I do. If you have a good cellphone signal and an android phone, download the 'SVTP wifi hotspot and usb tether' app and use your phone as a wifi hotspot. There may be other apps but that's the one I used. I payed $10 (one time payment) for unlimited use. If that's not an option, broadband VI.

We have BBVI. Great customer service and very few problems. No wires to be replaced after a hurricane either, I'm nervous about the fiber being hung on poles in our neighborhood by Innovative. That will be a pain to fix once it's torn down.

I have choice on STT northside and am happy. It's not like stateside but I surf and do everything as normal with a $50 bill and no $300 NON REFUNDABLE deposit that BBVI wanted. Plus the guy at plaza extra BBVI place was a DI%K.

Interesting about tethering. I would like to do that with AT&T especially with the LTE upgrade they recently did. When I went to the store by tickles they said the only plan charges by data?? I use a TON of data and it would cost a mint. Is there another way to do this?

I also suggest choice too because its month to month. If it doesn't work you can cancel it at anytime - customer service is awesome too.

AT&T no longer has an unlimited data plan. You have to pay by the usage.

It's a shame the sales guy at BBVI turned you off to them. We've had them for years now and they are FAST - my husband's business is stateside and he works entirely remotely from here, and BBVI makes it work seamlessly, no worries about lines going down. Also I stream video via Amazon Prime and online and it works without a hitch. The staff here is pretty cool too, whenever I've called for help with something it's no hurry, discuss, figure it out, make the customer happy kind of conversation.

I've also not heard of a $300 deposit? A $199 installation fee for equipment, yes, but not a $300 deposit. What was that for?

I was referring to their internet through AT&T. I have unlimited data on my cell - grandfathered in plan.

I tried to ask and he said "its for set up" and you wont ever get it back. IDK I didn't stay all that long because the guy was less than willing to answer any questions and CLEARLY I was bothering him. I stream both wired and wirelessly. Wired is defiantly better thou on my Choice router. We use all kinds of stuff on the wireless and it all works great. We are up high up on the north side and I am betting that has something to do with our good reception.

Hang on to that unlimited data, all sorts of stories out there about the creative ways AT&T is using to take it away from "grandfathered" people!

Bummer about "that guy." If it were me I would take the time to let BBVI's main customer service know. The local men who started and own BBVI are stand-up guys who wouldn't want someone like that working in customer service.

I have had impeccable and prompt service from everyone I have dealt with at BBVI.

BBVI asking for a $300 deposit? I've never heard of that!

Beeski?????

I think it's a $200 installation fee.

actually its $199 for installation 😉

Well Im not lying - the guy asked for $300. Beeski you should make sure they aren't pocketing $ if you work for them. I was also told this is non refundable, is that the case? What "installation" do they do? With Choice I paid $100 for the wireless router which is refunded when I turn it in. Installation included plugging it into the wall - that was it.