Best of the ISP-Lists

Fixed Wireless Technology

Faster Wi-Fi Installs

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss simple and obvious methods of speeding up the installation of Wi-Fi equipment for new customers. It pays to get them up and running.

[January 4, 2002]

On the ISP-Wireless list in December, NW asked,

"How many CPE installs should an installer be able to do each day, on average?"

A number of respondents indicated that their installers' speeds vary, but that planning ahead always helps:

[TJ offered] "Our installers can do two installs per day. Sometimes three, but then sometimes only one!"

[GW observed] "There are a number of variables, but on average, our guys usually do three or four per day. How do we get that many in? We do a site survey about a week in advance of the installation, so there are little or no unpleasant surprises at the last minute. We can plan ahead and know what materials we'll need, and we always leave with extra supplies of everything."

Others strongly recommended sending installers out in teams:

[PT noted] "I see you use the word 'installer' in the singular. Whenever I try to get the installers to go out singly, they tell me it's a two-man job when roofs and ladders are involved."

[JN agreed] "We also send out pairs of installers for most jobs. It's a lot easier to do an install with two people than it is with one, especially if you need to install a tripod or a tall mast."

CO suggested that, with the right installer, one should be sufficient:

"We use one installer. In our last round of interviews, we had a lot of ex-military guys apply. They are great. They are organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined. Many times, they also have RF experience. We interviewed five of them, and I would have hired all five if I could."

—End