Frequently Asked Questions

What do I provide as a volunteer host?

The primary thing you provide is a location to mount a 2 foot x 2 foot plastic box and an antenna. Optionally you allow us to connect to the internet through your existing connection or use your electricity. Providing access to these helps reduce the cost of each hub.

Does my location need to be approved?

Yes, not all spot will work for the network. Many will but if there are already too many hubs in one area, or too many obstructing hills it may not be worth it to install the hub. If you fill in the "Volunteer to Host a Hub" form we will map your location and make an assessment.

It also helps if we can get the antenna up high, the top of a hill, a tall building or tall antenna mast results in a better signal out to the devices.

How do you pay for host benefits and make money?

The network will charge a fee to those sending data through it. Signal Together is rewarded by the network provider for managing the hub that carries the signal, we use those earnings to manage the wireless hubs, reward the hub hosts and pay ourselves.

Do you really give me $100 once installed?

Yes, once the device is successfully installed on your property we will send you $100 as a thank you and a deposit. As long as you give us 6 months heads up if you wish to have the hub removed, you keep the $100. If you need it removed more quickly you return the $100 to offset the challenge of rapidly finding a new host.

Will you reward me on an ongoing basis for being a volunteer host?

Yes, we have three options.

1. We get an internet connection for the hub, and allow you to use that internet for free.

2. We provide a cash payment directly to you for up to $40 per month ($30 bases, +$5 for power, +$5 for internet use) for hosting, power, and use of your internet connection.

3. Signal Together will make a charitable donation $50 per month in your honor to a qualified nonprofit located in the Virgin Islands.

Does it cost me anything to install? Who does the install?

No, not at all. We take care of the install. You only need to work with our technician to identify the best location, and optionally access power-outlet and internet router.

Do I need to provided access to electrical, does it take a lot of electricity?

It is not required to provide access to electrical, we can run it off of a solar panel and battery. If the home has an outlet in proximity it makes it easier to be able to use the home power. Each hub uses requirement is 5 watts (roughly equivalent to an LED light bulb). At a rate of 41 per kilowatt hour each hub consumes about $17 in electricity per year.

Will it clog my internet and make it slow?

The hubs send a little data to the internet almost all the time. Over the period of 24 hours it will send about one gigabite. This should not significantly impact surfing the web or streaming video but you may want to consider if you have a limited/metered data connection. You can always choose to have us get our own internet subscription and provide you access.

Can I choose where you put it?

Yes, to an extent. It needs to have as clear a view of the surrounding area as possible so some locations will not be effective. We will work with you to find the appropriate place and we will never pressure you to put it somewhere you wish not to.

What does the equipment look like and what options do I have?

It is an approximately 2 foot by 2 foot plastic box. A pole extends from it which holds one or more antennas. Depending on the situation we may mount a satellite dish for internet connection and solar panels for power.

What if I want to stop?

No problem. Email us and we will do a relocation within 6 months of your request. We request the 6 month heads up so that we can find a new host in the area. Within that 6 month window we will send someone out to collect the equipment.