VoIP

I often use voip service from stateside in addition to/instead of my STT land line. Although it was common a few years ago for providers of Voip service to forbid the carrying of the box even between your own homes if the homes were in separate coverage areas, now almost all major providers allow you to carry the box worldwide (and I have used it in other countries as well, thought note that a few countries block its use or even might seize the box when you enter the country). You need high speed access and service can be a little glitchy in STT when you first plug it into even a high speed line, but it usually straightens out within several hours. Saves big $$$. In addition, you might want to consider using Skype telephony, which I also use down here. Skype, however, is a little pricey for the USVI if you call from computer to land line (something like .06 per minute) whereas voip calls to, from and within the USVI are covered at a blanket low monthly rate. Note, though, that a Skype call to a land line in the British Virgin Islands is only about .12 per minute, which is I'm sure way lower than the STT Innovative cost of that same call (I don't know for sure; it never occurs to me try to call internationally on my STT land line.)

Best,

Islandlola

I am considering the voip service for a "work at home" job after I relocate. I need to have a local stateside phone number. How dependable is internet acces on STT?

Others may have different answers to this, but for work at home use (which my hubby and I do when here in STT; without this kind of connection we could not be here so often) I'd give high speed internet access about a B, even a B+. The worse we've experienced is where the power goes out, which would mean that unless you have a generator, your voip will go down too. Even then, with voip you can set the calls to ring at the voip number simultaneous to your cell or land line, so at least wouldn't miss any calls even if your power went out. Factoring in a generator, I'd say access would be even more reliable. But, I imagine mmv, as others may attest.

Ilo

Thank you so much for the information. It is extremely helpful.

What's your experience with 800 numbers being directed to the V.I.?
Feasibility, options, roadblocks, prices, etc.
I have one already that will need to be redirected to a VI number.

I use Packet 8 voip with a mainland phone number that also rings my cellphone. On outbound calls it displays the mainland phone number. Cheap and it works with my Choice service.

My wife tried using Vonage with BroadBand VI. It was not satisfactory for her use in conducting marketing interviews with her clients.

Also calling the 340 area code was considered an international call.

Jim

JIm, if you don't mind me asking, what provider does she use now?

I installed a fixed base cell phone with a 7db gain ant. I use Cingular for my wireless provider. With a 1400 minute package had plenty of minutes for my fixed base unit and two hand held portables. Kept my stateside AC so my wife didn't have to explain to people where 340 is.

Jim

Jim - that sounds impresive. Unfortunately, I don't understand what any of it means!

Robin

Hello All,

OK, I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual, but I do need help!! I understand there are a variety of phone options out there, but could someone just break it down into a simple and concise plan?

1. Please explain this to me like I'm a six year old - what plan actually works best? And how do I get it?
2. I will be doing consulting work from my home office.

Many, many, thanks in advance!!

Lesa

Boy, do I identify! I have been asking people to talk to me like a first grader for years, as it pertains to computers, cell phone and TV systems, etc. Where on the island (STT?) will you be living? Makes a big difference.

You have the same options as state side with a few qualifications:

1. Land line from Innovative with a LD plan from them. Innovative is in bankruptcy and their service is lackadaisical. Service issues can take days or weeks to resolve. Innovative often does not have the resources to more than make band aid repairs. It can take weeks or months to have a line installed if Innovative doesn't have a free pair in your neighborhood.

2. Cell Phone. Two national providers (AT&T & Sprint ) and two local regional providers (Centennial & Innovative ). Because of the island's topography there are dead spots where some or all cell services don't work. All providers have packages of local and LD call packages. Pick a provider that works best in your location.

3. VOIP In my opinion the service works fine for personnel use, but if you are using it for business the QOS (quality of service ) isn't good enough using a high speed internet connection in the VI. The distortion and dead air that occurs make it hard to conduct a business call. It is different if you just calling family members and can joke about the glitches. VOIP works fine, but only on a network that assigns a higher priority to voice packets.

Jim

St. Joseph and Rosendahl. We'll be arriving on the 15th of October. When we did our PMV, our T-Mobile services actually worked great, but we cannot get a local number there and folks would need to call us long-distance. I also used my T-Mobile wireless to get online and believe it or not, was able to access the internet without a problem. We traveled all over the island of STT and hardly had any dropped calls. What's your recommendation for the Rosendahl area?

Again, like I'm a first grader...:)

Thanks so much!!

Thanks for the help, Jim Dandy - very informative. I appreciate you taking the time.

Lesa

Regarding a stateside number, Skype can give you a number for pretty much anywhere. I recall paying something like 10 Euro for three months with voicemail. You can even have an 800 number forwarded through them.

Let

FYI - There is a company on St Thomas that now offers VoIP setup for your home. www.jbtelenet.com

they have this router you plug your local phone line into and your high speed internet, then you plug another one into a phone line and high speed at your home or office stateside or anywhere in the world, and you can make free calls back and forth just like you have a local number in both locations. Basically its like having another phone in your house but it is 1000s of miles away.

Been really popular with people with family overseas in India or expensive calling areas since you then can call for free back and forth. As well as travelling EDC people since they can plug into any high speed anywhere and dial 3 digits to get back to the office. Its like $50 a month. The owner Jeff is a friend of mine, so I hope I don't sound too salesy.