CaribServe and UTS announce the launch of their new WiMAX 4G broadband network, which is the newest, fastest and most modern alternative in wireless broadband on St. Maarten.
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 also known as 802.16, allows for more efficient bandwidth usage, interference avoidance and enforcement of Quality of Service right down to the end-user’s service level. WiMAX can provide access up to several miles, as opposed to WiFi, which in most cases has a reach of only 100-300 feet.
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, Sucker Garden.
With the launch of WiMAX 4G, CaribServe ensures a current coverage area of 75% of Dutch St. Maarten, with expansion to 95% by July of this year. CaribServe has already installed and activated some 19 transmitter sites, almost one every kilometer to ensure it has ample capacity available to offer the right coverage and quality of service to its subscribers.
Phase 2 of the network rollout, which will entail the addition of 11 sites to cover the remaining areas of the Dutch side of the island, has already started and is expected to be completed by July of this year. Additionally, CaribServe also plans to commence with the rollout of its WiMAX 4G network on French St. Martin before the end of 2011.
By further expanding its WiMAX 4G coverage and capacity in 2011, CaribServe commits itself to remaining the most reliable Broadband Internet Provider on both St. Maarten and Saint. Martin!
The introduction of WiMAX 4G is also good news for all current CaribServe subscribers, who will gradually be migrated to the new system during the course of 2011 via a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) Trade-in Program. Under the terms of the Trade-in Program, current and active CaribServe subscribers will be upgraded to the new WiMAX 4G system for a one-time fee of US$50 and trade-in of their existing wireless modem for a new indoor-based WiMAX 4G CPE.
Additionally, "subscribers migrating to WiMAX 4G will also be given 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 existing subscribers will be able to enjoy up to twice the download bandwidth on WiMAX 4G at no extra monthly cost," said Michiel Parent, Service and Market Manager of UTS.
CaribServe will offer its subscribers two different types of CPE modems. Both require no further installation. The WiMAX 4G CPE is a portable CPE with a built-in one port router and the WiMAX 4G USB dongle, which will be released within short as an add-on service package, is ideal for laptop users who need mobility and connectivity while on the on-the-go. Customers will also be able to take their WiMAX 4G connection wherever they are on St. Maarten, within the outdoor coverage areas of WiMAX 4G.
Additionally, as opposed to the current wireless technology that required the installation of an outdoor CPE at the subscriber’s premise, the new WiMAX 4G CPE is an indoor-based device that can be self-installed in less than 5 minutes with the only requirement being that it is placed near a window for proper reception of signal from our WiMAX 4G transmitter site. The latter is an important achievement in that the CPE is now also protected from damage by harsh weather conditions, such as hurricanes, etc.
CaribServe will also offer its WiMAX 4G clients a free email address with complimentary antivirus & SPAM filtering, a free anti-virus software program for their PC, and free hotline support service.
To celebrate the launch of WiMAX 4G, CaribServe has decided to support several institutions and organizations on St Maarten with a complimentary WiMAX 4G connection, one of which being the St Maarten Jubilee Library and its Book Mobile. In addition, CaribServe was the official broadband supplier for the 31st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, which was powered completely on its new WiMAX 4G services, both for its land and ocean-based operations.
"Our objective from day one has been to provide "Broadband @nywhere, @nytime" to our island’s residents and tourists," said Roy Richardson, interim COO of UTS Eastern Caribbean and CTO of CaribServe. He went on, "WiMAX 4G has enabled us to do so and I am proud of the fact that UTS and its subsidiary CaribServe have placed Country St. Maarten on the 4G broadband Map of the World".
For more information, subscribers can call CaribServe at +(599) 542-4233. They can also surf to CaribServe’s website www.CaribServe.net for online support and more information about all of CaribServe’s broadband solutions.
CaribServe is the Internet subsidiary and brand of United Telecommunications Services (UTS)