Internet DSL/Cable

[scurred]

Do the apartments have internet access via DSL or Cable Modem? Is either reccomended by anyone? Does anyone have any negatives about each service on the island? I read somewhere that cable modems are available through Marpin but they never work. Also, has anyone down there used Vonage phone services through their internet connection.

[Neuro3]

Some apartments include DSL and some do not. I have adsl and havent had any problems once I got it installed. I would suggest buying a modem from 4th semester students it will save you from 100-$200ec. I use Dial pad and it works great.

[scurred]

can I bring down any DSL modem and will it work down there? Do you know if your apartment building has any more openings?

[Incognito]

Hi,

Been there and seen the situation so heed my advice :)

DSL is a pipe dream. Its there, but the waiting list will only be effective probably when a place opens up for you 10+ months later. Buying a DSL modem down there in the hopes of getting an account with Cable and Wireless is not a wise investment, neither is taking a DSL modem down there. If you do end up getting a DSL line by the only way I've seen effective (inheriting a friends account who is leaving the island, then you should go ahead and get a DSL modem couriered to you from home at minimum expense...till that situation arises, just go there without expectations for DSL).

How do you get "high speed" internet in Dominica? i.e.: a connection that is not dialup, that gets about 20-40 k variably, while being connected almost all the time except for cable/power outages?
Simply put: Marpin
They give you a proprietary modem by the way, or you can usually find them as vestiges lying around many people's apartments, unwanted like. Big White Box, with a Green/Orange LED...can't miss em.
How does it work and whats the hang up?
Marpin uses PPOE to authenticate users. That is, by you plugging into a modem with a green ("online) light, its not like in the states where you are then logged into the internet. Essentially PPOE is a username/password verification step that happens before hand.
<sigh> (it gets more complicated)
Windows xp wont connect well with PPOE and Marpin Techs will leave you helpless - so you need a basic or linksys or d-link router from the states to handle the PPOE login before your computer[s ? ;) ] connect to Marpin.

Hopes this helps.
-Incog