Innovative Doubles Internet Speeds

ST. CROIX — As reported by The Consortium a week ago, Innovative doubled all tiers of its Internet service today, according to a promo flyer forwarded to this publication.

As our story noted — citing an internal email we obtained — customers who had speeds of 3 megabits per second (Mbps) saw their speeds increase to 6Mbps. Those with 6Mbps increased to 12Mbps; customers with 12Mbps climbed to 18Mbp; those with 18Mbps jumped to 25Mbps; customers with 25Mbps rose to 50Mbps; and those who had 50Mbps saw their speeds double to 100Mbps. The company also created a hub where customers and potential customers alike could browse through the faster offerings.

“That’s right. As of August 31, 2016, all current Innovative Internet customers, converting Choice Wireless Internet customers as well as new customers will enjoy up to double the speed for the same price,” reads the blurb accompanying the flyer. “Plus, we’ve just launched the new, fastest residential speed available in the Virgin Islands — 100Mbps. As we continue to invest in our network, we are pleased to be able to bring our customers more advanced packages and services,” it added.

Innovative said the upgrade was just one of many “exciting” announcements that it would be sharing with its customers in the coming months.

The company recently increased its telephone rates, contending that its rates had remained steady for 13 years and in order to provide customers with better service through new technologies, the increase was initiated.

“Like every other business in the territory, we have been focused on controlling our costs as we invest in advanced technology and equipment. However, at this time it is essential for Innovative to bring the rates in line with the cost of providing the best telecomunications to the customer,” reads a press release issued late July.

The firm also announced in July its new chief executive officer as Alvaro Pilar, who enters the role with 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and cable industries, including leadership experience in sales, distribution and customer service. According to Innovative, Mr. Pilar most recently served as a Managing Director of Opus Consulting and Advance Services, leading key customer initiatives at One Link cable and other telecommunications companies. Previously, he served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Centennial and the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.

It added that Mr. Pilar would work closely with Innovative’s management team to develop and carry forward the organization’s strategy to create the leading, integrated communications and media company in the US Virgin Islands, with exceptional customer service and product innovation across all of Innovative’s businesses, including the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.

“This is an exciting time for Innovative, as we are looking to build up and enhance the Company’s reputation as a premier service provider,” Mr. Pilar said. “I have great confidence in our team to take the Company to this next level of service, focused on comprehensive and enhanced communications and media services customers in the Virgin Islands with a customer-first approach.”