Dear Source,
In response to Craig Barshinger's request for information on other ISP's in the Virgin Islands, let me share the following.:
I researched the options available to us now in the Virgin Islands and decided today to go with Earthlink/Sprint.
Criteria were:
1) Ability to keep identical e-mail addresses (just change the "@").
2) Local access numbers for not only the local area, but those areas that I travel to frequently.
3) Pricing.
4) Spam filtering.
5) Number of additional e-mail addresses available and space for storage, in addition to personal web space.
I did this quickly and perhaps did not digest all information, but I felt Sprint was the best for my buck. I was able to locate them on the web, check for local-access numbers in locations throughout the world, and obtain an 800 number which they answered immediately. I was able to set up my account over the telephone, although they are mailing me a set-up CD.
Unlimited service is $21.95 (same as AT&T); however, you receive up to eight additional e-mail addresses with forwarding capabilities (AT&T-6). I was also able to transfer my long-distance telephone service to Sprint for 7 cents per minute all the time, and received a $2-per-month discount on the Internet service –therefore, price is $19.95 per month. In addition, there is no need to pay with credit card; the Internet charge will appear on my monthly long-distance bill.
The person who assisted me, "Rocky," was friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. He gave me all the DNS numbers, etc., I needed if I wanted to change my settings myself, but I opted to call the 24/7 tech service 800 number. There again, they answered immediately and they patiently walked me through it.
They will also arrange to send e-mails to everyone in your address book to notify them of the change and will also handle the switchover from your previous Internet service provider.
The "Spam-ernator" is included and only required a click to activate. You can check the blocked mail to be sure something wasn't blocked by mistake and re-route if necessary.
The speed of service is the same or better than AT&T. I have now been connected without interruption for 10 hours at 44,000 bps. Dial-up was instaneous and is directly to the Internet.
Earthlink's web site is easy to use, and I had no trouble setting up additional e-mail accounts and forwarding to my main account.
In addition, they have a "referral reward" which gives you a month's free service when you refer someone to Earthlink.
I less than two hours, I had removed AT&T Worldnet service, set up Earthlink with no changes to my computer and changed my long-distance service on numerous phones at the same time.
Other companies may compare favorably, but my experience has been very positive and I should be able to close out my AT&T Service (I did forward my AT&T e-mail address to my new Earthlink address) by the first of the next month.
To save some time, I will include the numbers for Earthlink/Sprint: 1-800-395-8425, option "5,, ext. 62013, will get you directly to "Rocky." Otherwise, try 1-800-719-4660. On the web, go to http://www.earthlink.net.
Kathie McCarthy
St. Thomas
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