Residential Broadband Internet Access STJ

Hello Murf,

Here is what 'Loyal Reader' had written up for us a few months ago. It will answer some of your questions.

--Islander

Broadband is provided via one of two delivery methods: wireless and wire-line (copper). Wireless is delivered by a small (usually 1 foot by 1 foot) antenna mounted on your roof, which points to a tower or servicing location. You must have line of sight in order to get wireless broadband. Most broadband ISPs offer a free site survey to determine eligibility for service. Wireless broadband is offered by the following companies: Ackley Communications, Choice and Comtek. Residential rates are between $45 and $99/month. Business rates start at around $199. Speeds can vary from 192 kilobits per second to multi-megabit per second. Ackley Communications offers guaranteed speeds (both upload and download). Choice and Commtek offer "up to" rates- so you may get slower or faster speeds, depending on their network at the time. Choice offers a tie-in discount if you also subscribe to their wireless cable TV (Antilles Wireless) service. One-time installation fees range from $125-$495.

Wireline broadband is run over existing telephone lines. This service is offered by VIPowerNet- the local telephone company. Rates are around $79.99/month with an installation charge of around $200.00. An additional phone line is required. Speeds are not guaranteed, and can range from 20 kilobits per second to 1.5 Megabits per second. Both dial-up and wireline broadband are dependent on the local telephone company's phone line infrastructure. Sometimes, after heavy rains, the lines get "soggy", and dial-up and wireline broadband service degrades or quits working entirely.

Hi Islander,

Thanks for posting the 'Loyal Reader' info. This is exactly what I needed! - Jim

Murf,

SurfCoralBay (www.surfcoralbay.com) and Ackley Communications (www.ackley.vi or www.surfVI.com) both service the Coral Bay, STJ area. If you can see the tower at Bordeaux, you can get service.

If you search for "internet" or "broadband" on this board, you'll find more info.

Best,

LR

Actually Innovative's DSL is $39 a month for residential. Ackley was too expensive for me with a $600 installaltion charge and $100 a month. Strapped the wallet too much. Innovatives service has been pretty good suprisingly.

Local Resident,

Does Innovative service Coral Bay now? Didn't know.

Ackley install is $199, residential service $99. Install was never $600- used to be $495, was recently reduced.

SurfCoralBay services Coral Bay area- www.surfcoralbay.com.

Best,

LR