Phone

[Hypnotiq1121]

I've been looking at the posts and it seems like there is a waiting period to get cable or dsl installed in your apt. can someone please give me specifics on how long it takes and what the process really is. thanks

[MitchDC]

If you get to Dominica and request service before the other couple hundred new students then you will get DSL quickly. If you get to C&W after everybody else then you will be waiting while they set it up for everybody else first.

I've been looking at the posts and it seems like there is a waiting period to get cable or dsl installed in your apt. can someone please give me specifics on how long it takes and what the process really is. thanks

[Hypnotiq1121]

I will be getting there on the 26th so is there anyway I can call them from here and order it now?

[Cuando2]

your best bet is to just skip getting internet/fone at home, and go to school and use their computers for internet. get a pre-paid cell phone to use for calls...you will have control over how much you spend since it is pre-paid...NOT the corrupt phone util company! the enormous amount of money they request as a deposit (for "their" protection) is money that you'll never see again in your life, as they will have stolen it. and C&W is supposed to be a reputable corporation...its a joke just like that whole island.

[naperthrill]

when i came to the island, before i came, i went to best buy and bought a vonage router/phone. then when i got here, i got internet, hooked up my vonage box to the internet and regular cordless to the vonage box. I have had very few problems with the service, (the only problem being that it is a little delayed on occasion) and at 25-30 buckis a month for free long distance to home its worth it. just an idea...

[MitchDC]

Cuando2, I know its frustrating at times but we need to make sure that we don't spread false rumors. While Cable & Wireless (the same phone company on all the other Caribbean islands) does cause a lot of frustration and the deposit does take a while to be mailed to you in the US - you finally do get your deposit back in US funds...eventually.

In the United States you can't get service if you don't have credit no matter what. In Dominica they allow students to pay this deposit so we can get service (since we have not established credit in Dominica). I heard that students left without paying their phone bills for years before C&W established the deposit. As a physician you'll do things to protect your bottom line and while patients may not like it at times, its life.

I don't mean to minimize your feelings. I remember my wife coming home in tears after spending almost a while day at the Portsmouth C&W and not being able to clear up a billing error.

-M

your best bet is to just skip getting internet/fone at home, and go to school and use their computers for internet. get a pre-paid cell phone to use for calls...you will have control over how much you spend since it is pre-paid...NOT the corrupt phone util company! the enormous amount of money they request as a deposit (for "their" protection) is money that you'll never see again in your life, as they will have stolen it. and C&W is supposed to be a reputable corporation...its a joke just like that whole island.

[alpathmd]

For most people, you'll get Cable and wireless...pay the deposit (is it still $400) have minimal or no trouble with the service and then YES actually get your deposit back.(sounds a little like the majority of students who pass thru Ross)

Just check your bill (as you would do back in the US) on a regular basis and you shouldn't have trouble.

[Cuando2]

Cuando2, I know its frustrating at times but we need to make sure that we don't spread false rumors.

Are you implying that I am perpetuating false rumors?

The opinions expressed in my post were based upon my own personal experience with the company. Your particular experience may be different than mine, which does not make mine a rumor.

And there is no way you can guarantee that my deposit will be returned to me since you do not work for the company. I left the island the same time you did, and you already received your check, amongst others that were there at the same time. My experience is different, and there are others who left at the same time as us and still have not received theirs.