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V.I. Next Generation Network Embarks on Strong Communications Recovery Efforts

V.I. Next Generation Network

The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) has embarked on strong recovery efforts to support local Internet Service Providers (ISPs). It will re-establish communications for government agencies (through the Bureau of Information Technology) and local ISPs, and provide free Wi-Fi hot spots for the community. 

As a wholesale broadband services provider that interconnects the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island and that also connects the U.S. Virgin Islands to the world via 100 percent fiber optic undersea cables, viNGN does not deliver Internet services directly to customers in homes and businesses. This role is filled by established ISPs that partner with viNGN.

Since the passage of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 6, and Hurricane Maria on Sept. 19, viNGN’s network operations and field technician teams have been working tirelessly to restore and maintain communications to over 300 Community Anchor Institutions including government, educational, and medical facilities. Additionally, viNGN has been coordinating with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for aerial assessments and restoration plans.

Free Public Wi-Fi

  • Due to diminished cellular coverage and the lack of landline telephone access on St. John in particular, viNGN has created free public Wi-Fi access in partnership with Love City Strong, LoveIT.vi, First Phase Datacomm, and Computer Express in Cruz Bay at:
    • Boulon Center
    • BMV/Tennis Court Parking Lot
    • Connections of St. John
    • Grand Bay Condominiums
    • The Marketplace
  • On St. Thomas viNGN has collaborated on the following hot spots:
    • ADM Wireless at Red Hook near the temporary parking lot adjacent to Eudora Kean High School
    • Surge Broadband at the Lockhart Elementary School Shelter.
    • viNGN has also established a hot spot at Havensight in the Virgin’s Haven area.
  • On St. Croix, viNGN has provided free Wi-Fi hot spots as follows:
    • Just outside the Florence Williams Public Library
    • Caravelle Hotel and Casino/the Boardwalk in Christiansted
    • Vicinity of the Midre Cummings Ball Park/Fairgrounds in Frederiksted
    • Grove Place Fire Station

More hot spots are being planned, and the public may access the list at any time at www.vingn.com.

Network Restorations

Further, viNGN also repaired VITEMA fiber cable breaks and inter- island fiber cable breaks, and it is now able to report newly completed restorations in the following areas:

On St. Croix –

  • Beeston Hill Medical Center
  • Buccaneer Resort
  • Bureau of Information Technology
  • Cane Bay
  • Caravelle
  • Centrilogic
  • Charles Harwood Hospital
  • Christiansted Police Substation
  • Club Comanche
  • Daily News Building
  • FBI
  • Florence Williams Public Library
  • GERS
  • Juan F. Luis Hospital
  • Governor’s Office/Government House
  • Grove Place Fire Station
  • Henry E. Rohlson International Airport
  • Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic
  • Island Projects
  • King Christian Hotel
  • King’s Alley Hotel
  • La Reine Police Station
  • Merchant’s Market
  • Methodist Training and Outreach Center
  • Office of the Lieutenant Governor
  • Plessen Surgical Center
  • Public Works East
  • Mary’s Catholic School
  • Seaborne Airlines
  • Sunny Isles Medical Center
  • Superior Court of the VI
  • Supreme Court of the VI
  • University of the Virgin Islands (UVI)
  • UVI Tech Park
  • VITEMA
  • VI Port Authority at Henry E. Rohlson Airport
  • Viking Corp.
  • WAPA Business Office
  • WTJX PBS Channel 12
  • Waste Management Authority

On St. Thomas –

  • AH Riise
  • ADM Wireless
  • Aircraft Fire Station
  • Anna’s Retreat Fire Station
  • Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel
  • Broadband VI Crown Bay BGP Transit
  • Bureau of Information Technology
  • Cowpet Bay
  • Criminal Justice Complex
  • Cyril E. King Airport
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Human Services
  • Department of Planning and Natural Resources
  • Dorothea Fire Station
  • Duty Free Havensight
  • East End Medical Center
  • Economic Development Authority (EDA)
  • Emerald Beach Resort
  • FBI
  • Foothills Complex
  • Fort Christian
  • Guardian Insurance Building
  • Havensight Medical Laboratory
  • Homeland Security
  • Legislature
  • Legal Services
  • Lockhart Elementary School
  • Office of the Lieutenant Governor Banking & Insurance
  • Paragon Medical Building
  • Paternity and Child Support Office
  • Police Substation 1 (Lindbergh Bay)
  • Public Services Commission/Southland Gaming
  • Queen Louise Senior Home
  • Ritz-Carlton
  • Royal Palms
  • Schneider Regional Medical Center and Cancer Institute
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
  • Superior Court of the VI (Downtown)
  • VI Board of Elections
  • VI Bureau of Internal Revenue
  • VI Jr. Fire Station
  • VI Port Authority
  • I. Police Department Charlotte Amalie
  • I. Police Department Substation Tutu
  • VI Port Authority Marine Terminal
  • VI Public Works
  • VITEMA
  • UVI
  • WAPA
  • West Bay Supermarket
  • West Indian Company Dock Facility
  • Windward Passage Hotel

Free Temporary Services

St. John – Due to unprecedented infrastructural damage, viNGN has facilitated free temporary connections to support:

  • Boulon Center
  • Chelsea Drug Store
  • Cruz Bay Family Practice
  • Connections
  • Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel
  • Grand Bay Condominiums
  • National Park Service
  • John Hardware
  • The Marketplace

The public is invited to follow viNGN’s recovery efforts on a special page on the Network Restoration Status Page at http://vingn.com/network-restoration-status/                      

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