Frequently Asked Questions...
Service
- What is FINOWEN?
- Is FINOWEN Wi-Fi?
- How secure is FINOWEN?
- Is this technology safe to be around?
- Can you ensure full coverage in my town?
- What are the speeds for each plan?
- What are the contract terms?
Installation
- What hardware is required?
- Do I have to install additional software?
- What is a site survey?
- What is a typical installation?
- Are there other installation options?
- How long does it take to get FINOWEN installed?
- Who owns the equipment?
Support and Billing
- What do I do if I have problems with my service?
- How will I be billed?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
What is FINOWEN?
FINOWEN is a high-speed, wireless broadband service. FINOWEN, an acronym for Fast InterNet on Wireless EtherNet, is a unique new way of accessing the Internet by using radio communications to bridge the last mile to you, the customer. This advanced technology gives us the speed and flexibility to provide service in areas other technologies cannot reach.» Back to Top «
Is FINOWEN Wi-Fi?
No, FINOWEN is not Wi-Fi. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is an industry certification stating that a product has been designed to meet the 802.11 wireless local area networking standards developed by the IEEE. FINOWEN is a fixed wireless wide area service and has been in use for decades for military and advanced commercial purposes.» Back to Top «
How secure is FINOWEN?
FINOWEN's network is more secure than comparable wired alternatives such as DSL and dial-up. It is important to take the same precautions with wireless as you would with any other Internet connection:- Use anti-virus software.
- Be cautious about where you send private data. Make sure you know and trust the site you are interacting with, and if you are sending private information, such as credit card numbers, make sure the site is using encryption (look for the padlock icon in the bottom of your browser, similar to
or 
). - If you are concerned about hackers getting into your computer, place a firewall between your computer and the network.
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Is this technology safe to be around?
Yes. The equipment used is regulated by the FCC under the same guidelines as those for cordless phones. The power output is less than a microwave oven and you'll receive more radiation from your refrigerator compressor motor than you will from FINOWEN equipment. Also keep in mind that you hold a cell phone to your head and stand next to your microwave oven and refrigerator, but our wireless equipment is usually outside your house and pointing away.» Back to Top «
Can you ensure full coverage in my town?
A single wireless point of presence (WiPOP) can cover distances ranging from a few hundred feet to several miles, depending on equipment, location and surrounding terrain. To ensure full coverage, several WiPOPs have to be strategically placed throughout a town. FINOWEN generally starts installing WiPOPs where the most customer interest exists and expands as demand dictates. Due to this process, full coverage of an entire town will take time. For towns interested in full coverage immediately, assistance from the local government or local organizations can greatly accelerate the process. Please contact us if you are interested in getting more information about how to cover your entire town.» Back to Top «
What are the speeds for each plan?
FINOWEN runs a managed, prioritize network and each customer is ensured a stable, consistent bandwidth rate. Please see Residential Services Comparison Chart» Back to Top «
What are the contract terms?
FINOWEN Broadband is offered on a month-to-month contract only.» Back to Top «
What hardware is required?
We will provide you with a small antenna that will be installed somewhere at your location. You can then connect the antenna to any TCP/IP device with an available Ethernet jack. This includes most personal computers (running any common operating system) and home broadband routers, such as:» Back to Top «
Do I have to install additional software?
You do not have to install any software specifically for FINOWEN services. You may need driver software for your network card, however this software is not specific to the FINOWEN service.» Back to Top «
What is a site survey?
FINOWEN is a wireless service that uses non line-of-sight (NLOS) technology. However distance and physical obstructions can affect availability of service to your location. A FINOWEN representative may need to visit your location to make this assessment.» Back to Top «
What is a typical installation?
A typical installation involves a FINOWEN antenna on your building, an indoor modem, and a cable connecting the two.
The antenna will typically be installed on the side of your building that faces the point of presence (POP) you'll be receiving service from. The most common antenna we use is a flat, beige panel that's approximately 1' x 1' square. The cable from this antenna runs through a small hole in your wall into an indoor modem (approximately 3" x 6" x 1"). The modem needs to be plugged into a standard grounded outlet, and can be attached to the wall or placed on a shelf or the floor.
The modem has an Ethernet port that you can plug any standard Ethernet device into. This port is the demarcation point for FINOWEN service. From the Ethernet port in, the network is yours.
A typical installation will take 3 hours +/- 1 hr.
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Are there other installation options?
Indoor
If the signal strength is strong enough at your location, you may be able to have an indoor installation. In this case, the antenna and modem would both be located indoors and no holes are necessary. There is no additional cost or savings to this type of installation.
Larger Antenna
If the signal strength is weak at your location, we may be able to get a stronger signal using larger antennas. This may be an additional cost, depending on the antenna.
PoE
On occasion the technician may suggest a PoE installation. This may happen in situations where a strong signal is not available at your house, but may be at a nearby structure such as a barn or tree. The technician could install the antenna and radio in special outdoor enclosures and run a cable (carrying power and data) into your house. This installation would cost extra due to the extra equipment and time.
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How long does it take to get FINOWEN installed?
Once we determine that service might be possible at your location, a FINOWEN representative will set up an installation appointment. At that time we will perform a standard installation or evaluate non-standard installation options.Service provisioning, from request to completion, typically requires 3 to 5 business days.!
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Who owns the equipment?
FINOWEN maintains ownership of the antenna and modem. We will install it and remove it, when necessary, but you will be responsible for its safe keeping in the interim.» Back to Top «
What do I do if I have problems with my service?
Please call our Network Status and Trouble Reporting line at 603-676-8630. Someone will return your call, usually within the hour.» Back to Top «
How will I be billed?
Monthly service charges are automatically billed to your credit card at the beginning of each billing cycle. Your installation fee is paid directly to the installer.» Back to Top «
What methods of payment do you accept?
FINOWEN currently accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover- To pay by credit card, please call FINOWEN and give us the details.
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