Vineyard.net, the only locally-owned Island Internet service provider, announced this week that it will continue to operate, despite struggles to stay afloat in the face of rising telecommunication costs and the introduction of broadband services to the Island. In what she said was a difficult decision, owner Kathy Retmier has decided to locate some of the services off-Island. The result will be increased quality of services for Island customers, while keeping the pricing the same as it has been for almost 14 years. “We have some incredibly loyal customers — and we have appreciated their support more than they will ever know. I think the coming changes will be a happy surprise to all who have stayed with Vineyard.net,” Ms. Retmier said in a prepared statement.

Customers who continue to use dial-up will be offered regular and accelerated dial-up speeds. Businesses that have Web hosting will be offered more bandwidth. And customers who use Vineyard.net strictly for e-mail will be offered three more e-mail addresses at no additional charge, all at the coveted @vineyard.net address.

The changes will take place over the next two months, and current customers of Vineyard.net will be notified of the changes as they happen. Most of the changes will occur without the customer having to make changes in set-ups.

And the offices of Vineyard.net will continue to operate on the lower level of the Educomp building in Vineyard Haven. For information call 508-696-6688, or e-mail kretmier@vineyard.net.