Best of the ISP-Lists

Wireless ISP-in-a-Box

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss a product that is a dream and nightmare to ISPs across the United States and around the world: the prepackaged, plug-and-play, wireless ISP.

[January 15, 2001]

On the ISP-Wireless list in December, BM queried,

"What would you think about a pre-packaged Wireless Internet Service Provide (WISP)? That is, plug it in, aim the antenna, and service some customers?"

Some respondents were enthusiastic about the idea:

[JHB offered] "I believe this might be very popular. I'd suggest, however, using all-in-one units with integral antennas, a true plug-and-play approach that minimizes the pitfalls."

[CM agreed] "It's definitely a good idea, as long as there is some solid technical support available. In fact, we are already developing the network/management side of this idea ourselves, the goal being to be media-independent, but focused on WISP. The best implementation we see for this is ISPs looking to grow into new areas quickly."

Other suggested that wireless is still a little complex for the average user:

[MKS warned] "I don't think it would be quite that easy. The cable runs are all going to be different. You've got the FHSS vs. DSSS issues, etc."

[Ed. note: for further information on the FHSS versus DSSS problem, check out the webopedia definitions of Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).]

[JP agreed] "Someone will build a better idiot. There's still issues of proper site location, line-of-site, trees, sharing the spectrum, dealing with potential interference, troubleshooting problems after a lightning storm/windstorm/nature, doing proper customer installs. Dealing with the upstream, providing regular ISP services such as hosting, dialup, email, DNS, etc. You're taking too much knowledge for granted."

RC countered with a safer and simpler approach:

"I believe it would be easier to establish a reseller program. Someone comes in and buys twenty accounts at a discounted rate, and then they are responsible for their billing and customers. You charge the reseller monthly. Now all you have to do is deal with one person, and you avoid the CPE hassle. You lose a little revenue, but you make it up in overhead, so your profit margin should remain the same, and your life should be much easier."

—End      

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	[Oct. 6, 2000]	GoAmerica's ISP Opportunity