hawksbill

I spend a fair amount of time in St. John, and I've been trying to figure out a way to get very high-speed internet access there, so that I could keep up with work while I'm away (and therefore get down to the islands more often!) I need cable-modem-type speeds, rather than DSL speeds. Say, at least 4 megabits per second download speed.

I realize that this is an unusual question for a travel board, and I should probably try posting it on some sort of networking enthusiast board or something. Nevertheless, I've lately been amazed by the breadth of knowledge that Fodorites seem to have on virtually every subject, so I thought I'd give it a try. Has anyone been able to achieve a very fast connection anywhere on St. John or St. Thomas? I've tried various offices, homes, and the so-called "high-speed internet access" in a room at the Westin, but none of them is really fast enough for what I need to do. I've come to the conclusion that it's impossible, but this is my last-ditch appeal for help.

Tuxedocat

I'm not sure how fast is "fast" but there's an internet cafe/service in Starfish Market shopping center whose name escapes me right now. Also, there are two "Connections" one in Cruz Bay and the other in Coral Bay. It seemed pretty fast to me. It's not dial-up. I've been to all three to check on and send email. Also, there are a good number of villas where there is wireless internet. You'd have to check with the agents. I'm not sure why the Westin would be "slow." There is a wireless service which is relatively new on STJ, but it's supposedly more widespread now. We've thought about getting them but will probably just install service with the cable tv company. You could also pose this question on tripadvisor. They have a couple of long time residents there who may be able to give you more exact info.

hawksbill

Thanks Tuxedocat - the place you're referring to in the Marketplace is Surf Da Web, right? I think their best solution was a T1 line, which is high-capacity but relatively slow. I hadn't thought of seeing how the Connections places do it. That's a good thought.

I'll try posting on tripadvisor. Do you happen to know what the name of the new wireless service is?

And by the way, if you ever want to check the speed of your internet connection, one good way is to go to http://www.speakeasy.net/. They have a speed test, in which you can connect to various places around the country and see how fast you can upload and download.

christiegr

The Quiet Mon also has internet access..not sure how fast it is.

Tuxedocat

Christie: I can't believe you noticed there was internet service at the Quiet Mon. You'd have to put that glass of painkiller down!
Hawksbill: It's not listed in my 2005 telephone book and I can't seem to find my 2006. Do you usually stay in places with cable TV? I know the cable company also provides internet service there.

hawksbill

Tuxedocat: Thanks for checking! The house where I say has satellite TV. Apparently they've tried the satellite internet service that was offered with it, and it was excrutiatingly slow.

christiegr

Mae,

lol! Yeah..I had to use the internet while we were there.

Christie