Using wireless technology, we are able to send information to various towers throughout our coverage area. That information is then broadcast out, where it is received by the antenna provided to you. It's that simple!

Absolutely NOT!! Our Wireless Internet connection is Bi-directional. Meaning your unit will send and receive information, making it a complete solution for internet connectivity.

Depending on the service package selected, CaribServe.NET's wireless service uses wireless technology to provide connection speeds up to 1.5 Megabits per second. That's just as fast as a standard T-1 line, up to 50 times faster then your 28.8 Kbps modem!

There has been much press recently about the security issues of Wireless LAN technology known as 802.11b/g or WIFI. It is true that if the user uses the default settings with most WIFI products it is very easy for an outsider to get onto the network. However, just changing a few settings can make the network secure.

The wireless system CaribServe.NET uses is completely different than 802.11 or WIFI technology. We use the Canopy Wireless System that is developed by Motorola. This Motorola system has 3 features that make it very secure.

• Proprietary: The Motorola system uses completely proprietary technology for the Radio Frequency signals as well as the data protocols. So a potential hacker would first have to reverse engineer the Motorola radio equipment.
• Authentication: No Motorola radio can communicate with our tower without first having its Electronic Serial Number authenticated against our list of allowed radios.
• Encryption: The Motorola Canopy encrypts the user data over the air using 128 bit DES encryption.

These characteristics make our service at least as secure as DSL or Cable modem systems. As an example, it would probably be easier to tap into your phone line outside your home than hack through the encryption.

The effects of weather on Microwave radio signals vary based on the frequency used and the distance the signal travels. With the frequencies and distances in our network, signal degradation due to heavy rain is negligible. The degradation due to heavy rain is less than .2 db and our system is designed with at least a 10 db signal fade margin.

We install a small antenna (12" tall x 3.5" wide and weighs less than 1 pound) on or near the roof of your home or business with a Cat5 Ethernet cable that is run down and into your home to a single point where your PC or router will be installed. Please see our "How it works" section for a more detailed description. Please note that we do not get into cabling from that point to multiple rooms or drops. For the latter, you will need to contact a network installation company. We can recommend some independent contractors we have worked with in the past. Billing for internal cabling services offered through independent contractors will not be included in the cost of our installation / service.

No. The technology used by CaribServe operates at very low power levels, similar to a cell phone, and much less than the amount that is emitted by your microwave oven. Also, radio frequency power drops dramatically as you move away from the power source. Typically, our antennas would not be placed where any person would be able to stand right in front of it for any significant period of time.

Your PC must have a working 10BaseT or 100BaseT Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC).

Our system uses PPPOE for authentication to our network and thus, depending on your operating system, we might need to install a PPPOE client (software). You must also have up-to-date and working Antivirus / Anti-Spyware software installed and running on your PC. The minimum platform and operating system requirements are as follows:

• UNIX \ Linux: Linux Kernel v2.1 or above, Pentium-based PC or better, 128 meg of RAM or better, 10baseT NIC card or better.
• Mac: Mac OS 8.6 or above, PowerPC or better, 128 megs of RAM or better, 10baseT NIC card or better.
• Windows: Windows OS (98, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7), Pentium-based PC or better, 256 meg of RAM or better, 10baseT NIC card or better.

Any broadband router that has an Ethernet port (10BaseT or 100BaseT) as its WAN or Internet port and supports PPPOE authentication will work. This includes the wireless routers that are currently popular. If you purchase a router from CaribServe.NET, it will be a Linksys BEFSR41, which is a wired (not wireless) router with a built-in 4 port Ethernet switch. Other brands that will work include D-Link, NetGear, Belkin, and SMC.

CaribServe.NET Networks requires the use of a router if you are planning on sharing your connection with multiple PCs because we require a single PPPOE authentication from your account. A router is programmed to authenticate and create a single connection to our network while allowing multiple computers to share that connection.

Furthermore, a router will segment your local area network traffic (file sharing between your PCs, printing, etc.) from our network and the Internet, thereby offering you a higher level of security (firewall protection).

Yes, there is no additional charge for multiple computers. Our service requires a router to separate the customer's network from CaribServe's Networks. The router acts as a firewall to protect the customer's home network from Internet attackers and is an administrative demarcation point that allows customers to build their home network independently. CaribServe's Networks supports the innovative use of home networking and charges based on the bandwidth service package you selected in your subscription rather than on the number of computers connected to your router. Please see question/answer above this one for further details.

If your location is within range of one of our towers and has line of site to that tower, we guarantee installation within 5 business days of receipt of payment and signed contract (not including public holidays, etc.).

Our fixed wireless service extends island-wide on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Our mobile or Hotspot services are available in the Simpsonbay lagoon area. For an up-to-date overview of our service areas, please contact our customer service.

You can join CaribServe today by contacting us or one of our agents.

WiMAX 4G is the new broadband internet network and service of CaribServe. WiMAX, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a fourth generation (4G) wireless digital communication system that provides broadband wireless access over extended distances to fixed, portable and fully mobile access devices. The technology, which is currently based on the IEEE 802.16e standards, allows for more efficient bandwidth usage, interference avoidance and enforcement of Quality of Service right down to the end-user's service level. As opposed to WiFi, which in most cases has a reach of only 100-300 feet, WiMAX can provide access over several miles.

CaribServe uses WiMAX 4G technology as a means of delivering wireless broadband connectivity to our subscribers on fully licensed and protected frequencies. We have invested in and installed WiMAX-based transmitter sites throughout the Dutch side of St. Maarten that enable our subscribers to communicate wirelessly to our network via a WiMAX CPE (modem). It's that simple!

No, our WiMAX 4G Internet service is completely wireless between our transmitter site and the WiMAX CPE (modem) installed at your premises and therefore does not require a phone line for service. You only need to be within the coverage area to enjoy the benefits of our service.

Depending on the bandwidth package selected, our WiMAX 4G subscriptions can provide download speeds up to 4Mbps and up to 768 kbps on uploads.

CaribServe's WiMAX 4G runs on an extremely secure network in a licensed spectrum that uses a combination of IEEE-80216 technologies and enhanced security protocols to ensure highly secure wireless data transmission between WiMAX CPE (modem) installed at your premises and our network.

With the above said, it should be noted that the security we mention above is solely within our network and that each subscriber should take the necessary steps to ensure that their connections to and on the Internet are secured according to their own personal or business needs.

WiMAX 4G by CaribServe is currently available in the following areas on Dutch St. Maarten: Cupecoy, Maho, Beacon Hill, Airport, Simpson Bay, Pelican, Cole Bay, Cul-de-Sac, Philipsburg, Pointe Blanche, Madame Estate, Oyster Pond, Guana Bay, Dawn Beach and Sucker Garden.

Please click here for a detailed view of our coverage map!

No, the Caribserve WiMAX 4G service uses an indoor-based WiMAX CPE (modem) that works from inside your home or premises. As such, there is no longer a need to install an antenna or modem on the outside of your premises. There are no holes to be drilled and/or no cables to run to from the outside to your equipment inside.

The indoor-based WiMAX 4G CPE modem consists of a small, thin device about the size of a book. It is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, takes up very little space, and only requires a standard power source (110/220v) for operation.

At present, CaribServe offers two types of indoor-based WiMAX 4G modems for stationary usage:

• The standard WiMAX 4G CPE is a nomadic or portable modem with a built-in router that connects to a PC(s) by a cable. ($99.00)
• The WIFI-enabled WiMAX 4G CPE is a nomadic or portable modem with a built-in WIFI router that connects to a PC(s) by either a cable and/or by WIFI. ($119.00)

In addition to the above, the WiMAX 4G USB dongle and the WiMAX personal hotspot will also become available within short, as separate, add-on modems & services.

• The WiMAX 4G USB dongle plugs into the USB port of your laptop to provide broadband @nywhere, @nytime on St. Maarten (within the respective outdoor coverage areas of WiMAX 4G). ($69).
• The WiMAX personal hotspot is a device that provides broadband through a hotspot to a maximum of 5 devices at the same time @nywhere, @nytime on St. Maarten (within the respective outdoor coverage areas of WiMAX 4G). ($149)

To get online with a CaribServe 4G WiMAX subscription, you simply need to:

1. Fill out a subscription agreement
2. Choose your modem & bandwidth subscription
3. Agree to the General Terms & Conditions and Acceptable Usage Policy by signing the subscription agreement
4. Pay for the modem you selected and first billing period of your service subscription... That's it!

Yes, Absolutely! You will be able to migrate / upgrade your existing Canopy connection to our WiMAX 4G service via our “Canopy-to-WiMAX trade-in Program”. Under the terms of the Canopy-to-WiMAX trade-in Program, current and active CaribServe subscribers can trade-in their existing Canopy modems by signing a new one-year agreement and paying a one-time fee of $50 to migrate over to our WiMAX 4G services. Existing customers who take part in the Canopy-to-WiMAX trade-in program will receive a bonus on their existing subscriptions as their current bandwidth packages will be doubled in speed on the download for the same monthly price. This means that you will be able to enjoy up to twice the download bandwidth on WiMAX 4G at no extra monthly cost. Our migration team will contact you to remove your current outdoor-based CaribServe CPE and replace it with a new basic, indoor-based WiMAX 4G CPE.

No, you are not obliged to switch to WiMAX 4G at this time but you should take note that the current Canopy Wireless Technology we are using today will be discontinued and replaced by WiMAX 4G. An added benefit of switching to WiMAX 4G is that your current bandwidth will be doubled upon migration free of chage. You will continue to pay the same monthly fee but your download speed will double!

No, removal of the existing Canopy antenna should only be carried out by our qualified technicians. Damage to the unit due to removal by unauthorized persons will result in additional fees and penalties.

We will gladly welcome you back to our service and will even allow you to take part in the Canopy-to-WiMAX upgrade program provided that you still have your Canopy wireless modem & power supply and both are still in working order. The aforementioned Canopy-to-WiMAX upgrade is applicable to any former subscribers with the following additional conditions:

• If your subscription has been dormant for LESS than 90 days prior to the date of the subscription renewal, you will be charged a one-time fee of $75 for the migration if you sign a new 1 year subscription agreement and trade-in the previous Canopy equipment.
• If your subscription has been dormant for 3 months or more prior to the date of the subscription renewal, you will be charged a one-time fee of $100 for the migration if you sign a new 1 year subscription agreement and trade-in the previous Canopy equipment.

Our indoor-based, WiMAX 4G modems will work with any PC or MAC via a working Ethernet port or also through WIFI if a WIFI-enabled WiMAX 4G CPE is purchased, regardless of operating system (Apple, Linux, Windows), as there are no special drivers required by our CPE for the installation.

The only requirement for the WiMAX 4G modems is that the Ethernet port (or WIFI card) on your PC or MAC is properly installed (software drivers, etc.) beforehand and working according to the technical specifications for your device.
Our USB-Dongle will work on any PC running either Windows Vista or Windows 7 as an Operating System.

The only requirement for the USB-Dongle is that the USB port on your PC is properly installed (software drivers, etc.) beforehand and working according to the technical specifications for your device.

Our Personal Hotspot will connect to any device with WiFi.

Yes, you may share your WiMAX 4G connection with other PCs and devices in your home but depending on the model of your WiMAX 4G CPE (modem) and your specific needs, you may have to add either a network switch or a wireless Access Point (AP) to the Ethernet port at the rear of your WiMAX 4G CPE.

Both models of our indoor-based, WiMAX 4G CPEs have a single Ethernet port at the rear but one model has a built-in WIFI router while the other does not.

• The standard WiMAX 4G CPE can only share the WiMAX 4G connection to other PCs and devices if a network switch or Access Point (AP) is connected to the device via an Ethernet cable.
• The advanced WiMAX 4G CPE has a built-in WIFI router that can share the WiMAX 4G connection to other PCs and devices wirelessly via WIFI.
A network switch is a device with multiple Ethernet ports that allows you to connect multiple PCs or other devices together, via Ethernet cables, to form a Local Area Network (LAN). One of the ports on a network switch can be connected to the WiMAX 4G CPE to allow all devices on the LAN to share the WiMAX 4G connection to the Internet.

An Access Point (AP) offers the same basic functionality as switch, but in this case there is an Ethernet cable going from the AP to the WiMAX 4G CPE and the remaining connections between the AP and the devices are established via WIFI.

Both models of our indoor-based, WiMAX 4G CPE (modems) have a single Ethernet port at the rear. If you wish to share the connection amongst multiple PCs, you will either need to connect a network switch or a wireless Access Point (AP) to the Ethernet port at the rear of your WiMAX 4G CPE.

The only requirements for the WiMAX 4G modem to work well are as follows:

• You must be in a WiMAX 4G coverage area.
• The WiMAX 4G modem must be placed near an outside-facing window or glass opening and remain upright to enable a strong signal between it and our transmitter.
• You must have a power source for the WiMAX 4G modem.

Each WiMAX 4G CPE (modem) has a series of lights on the device that shows the signal strength of the connection. The more lights that are on, the stronger the signal, the better the quality of service, so you may need to find the best location in your premises, near a window or opening to the outside, that allows for the best possible connection to our transmitter.

The CaribServe WiMAX 4G service requires a clear path for the exchange of signals between our transmitter site and the WiMAX 4G CPE. Concrete walls, metal and wooden structures all reflect the signal and thus all efforts should be made to ensure that the WiMAX 4G CPE is installed near a window or protected opening that allows for the proper exchange of the signals.

If you are not able to receive a good signal on your WiMAX 4G CPE, you can try moving it around to different windows or protected openings in your premises to see where you can obtain the strongest signal (most lights on).

Once you have located the area near a window or opening that provides the best signal, fine tune the signal by turning the modem slightly left or right until you identify the position with the strongest signal. If you still run into problems and/or require further assistance, please feel free to contact our Technical Support Helpdesk.

Yes, definitely. You can use your CaribServe WiMAX 4G CPE (modem) anywhere within our current WiMAX 4G coverage area.

An IP address is the unique, numerical address that is automatically assigned to your WiMAX 4G CPE (modem) by our subscriber management system each time it connects to our network. It is an essential part of our network that allows you to communicate with the rest of the Internet world and vice versa.

We can provide either Dynamic or Static IP addresses but by default, our network is configured to provide each subscriber with a Dynamic IP address that changes over time.

Some users might have specific applications that require an IP address that remains the same over time (never changes). The latter is called a Static IP address and it can be added to any Gold or Platinum-based subscription for an additional fee of $30 per month.

All WiMAX 4G CPE modems are sold with a manufacturer's warranty against any manufacturer's defects. The latter does not include any damage to the CPE that is caused by lighting, power surges, water damage, misuse, abuse, falls or any other incidents that caused physical damage to the CPE.