Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households have noInternet...and donotplan to get it
Marlon, You were the one who said these businesses don't need the Internet not me. It was just for entertainment anyways. So don't make it look like I was the one who went off topic. If you cannot produce a convincing argument to sell your services to area businesses then there is nothing I will be able to do. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: LOL I guess you could put those words into my mouth. *I'm* not the one that doesn't want internet. I don't think that businesses can be as efficient without internet as they could be with it. But it's not my job to run their businesses, it's simply to supply services to them. We don't do online banking either. Anyone have to get a new cc lately, cause hackers got your card number? grin Let go back to the original point though. Fully 1/3rd of the population doesn't give a rat's behind about the internet. Who are we to FORCE it upon them? Who are you (not you but generically...) to tell them that they HAVE to use it? I'd guess that these same arguments took place over the automobile, electricity, telephone, radio, TV etc. Heck, probably there were people that saw no need for the written word in the first place. Or how about the fork? There will always be those that don't care about the latest new thing out there. So what? The rest of us will use it and be happy. They won't and be happy. Who's wrong in that? No one. marlon - Original Message - From: Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 2:09 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households have noInternet...and donotplan to get it Marlon, Are you sure you are in the business of selling Internet? You find more excuses why potential customers don't need your services. The Internet is NOT just for entertainment. So I suppose this tire shop doesn't use a phone, make appointments, order parts, check on parts ordered, have a bank account and making so much money that they don't need to find ways to save time and money? Do you really believe that none of these businesses in your area have a need for an Internet connection? If you do then it is time to find something else to sell. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Marlon, It's so much easier for you to justify the whole thing by saying everyone that wants internet access has it. There is no way education and economics would change this situation? What situation? If one doesn't know about internet by now there's no level of education that will change that. The local tire shop doesn't have internet access. And why should they? The do tires and pump gas. What will the internet do for them? Really. Same for the local drive in, coffee shop, brewery etc. Sure they all have internet access at home OR the office, but who needs it in both? In the end, is it up to us to force this new technology on people? No. It's up to them to find a way to use it. They have businesses or lives that don't need internet access or broadband. What the heck is wrong with that? What I'm saying is that MOST of those that honestly do have a NEED for broadband access, of some kind, have it today. The rest don't have it cause they don't want it. There is information that should have been included in this article to better explain the real situation but the author of this article does tell the story the way they see it as most people do. I think that much of the press that says that the US is behind the rest of the world ignores that fact that MOST of the time people spend on line is for entertainment. It's a play thing. The internet is taking away from TV not creating something new. Is it really a big deal if people would rather read a book or watch TV? Is it realy a bad thing that folks in the US can find other things to do besides sitting in front of the computer? I think not. How is that rock treating you these days? No tigers I assume. ;-) Which rock? The one I live on? Still hard to grow a lawn here. grin Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Two thoughts here Dawn. First, any bets as to how many of the 22% that can't afford the computer etc. DO have cable TV? I know what the numbers are like in MY area It's near 100%. Next, if 17% say that they don't know how to use the internet it's cause they don't want to. Every town here has FREE internet access. Open to the public in the library. Everyone also has friends with computers that would let their friends use the internet on if it was needed. No, as much as we technogeeks like to think that the world would come to an end without internet access, the truth of the matter is that it's still possible to live one's life without internet access. And fully 1/3rd of the US population has decided they like it that way. Isn't it great to live in a country that still has so many other
Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
Travis, Are you saying there are Wireless Provider business models in the US that can't handle certified equipment? What do you suppose that says for the industry? Regards, Dawn DiPietro Travis Johnson wrote: And then the issue becomes how much that vendor is going to mark-up the product, in addition to the FCC cert costs for all their time, efforts, etc. Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sat, 31 Mar 2007, Doug Ratcliffe wrote: As far as Mikrotik goes, if any one/more/all MT vendor(s) in this country paid an FCC lab to certify the boards/radios (can't the radios/antennas can be modular certified by Ubiquiti/Senao?), could that work as a blanket certification that MT could attach to their boards/radios, or does each individual unit/vendor need an FCC certification? Each particular vendor will need a cert for the complete system they build. FWIW, I have been pushing MANY vendors to build and certify some Mikrotik radios. You can help yourself here by going to YOUR vendor and asking them to do the same. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Equipment Leasing
Here is a calculator you can use... https://www.marlinleasing.com/marlin/enduser/quotecalculator.asp Harold Bledsoe Deliberant LLC 800.742.9865 x205 (office) 404.693.0660 (cell) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.deliberant.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Smith, Rick Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 11:45 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [WISPA] Equipment Leasing Can anyone provide me with figures to use in a business plan for equipment leasing ? Using Tranzeo / Trango so far, will switch to Mikrotik based setups on 900 mhz / 5.8 ghz and continue to use Tranzeo and Ruckus Wireless CPE's for 2.4 I need examples on what costs look like - per sub / per unit - package pricing, etc. I'll keep 'em to myself if you send 'em offlist... Thanks R -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households havenoInternet...and donotplan to get it
Personally, I think there are certain people who should NOT be allowed to have internet access! People who send a sappy story around the internet with the tag line of if you believe in God/our country/Mom/apple pie you'll send this to 100 of your closest friends and beside that, you have to open 16 attachments (thank you AOL) to get to the story! :-) Get with it people! Andy Rooney didn't say it! George Carlin didn't say it! Bill Gates didn't say it! Bookmark Snopes.com and you won't regret it! I'm mostly kidding, but you all know what I mean. Jeff -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marlon K. Schafer Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 8:48 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households havenoInternet...and donotplan to get it LOL I guess you could put those words into my mouth. *I'm* not the one that doesn't want internet. I don't think that businesses can be as efficient without internet as they could be with it. But it's not my job to run their businesses, it's simply to supply services to them. We don't do online banking either. Anyone have to get a new cc lately, cause hackers got your card number? grin Let go back to the original point though. Fully 1/3rd of the population doesn't give a rat's behind about the internet. Who are we to FORCE it upon them? Who are you (not you but generically...) to tell them that they HAVE to use it? I'd guess that these same arguments took place over the automobile, electricity, telephone, radio, TV etc. Heck, probably there were people that saw no need for the written word in the first place. Or how about the fork? There will always be those that don't care about the latest new thing out there. So what? The rest of us will use it and be happy. They won't and be happy. Who's wrong in that? No one. marlon - Original Message - From: Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 2:09 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households have noInternet...and donotplan to get it Marlon, Are you sure you are in the business of selling Internet? You find more excuses why potential customers don't need your services. The Internet is NOT just for entertainment. So I suppose this tire shop doesn't use a phone, make appointments, order parts, check on parts ordered, have a bank account and making so much money that they don't need to find ways to save time and money? Do you really believe that none of these businesses in your area have a need for an Internet connection? If you do then it is time to find something else to sell. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Marlon, It's so much easier for you to justify the whole thing by saying everyone that wants internet access has it. There is no way education and economics would change this situation? What situation? If one doesn't know about internet by now there's no level of education that will change that. The local tire shop doesn't have internet access. And why should they? The do tires and pump gas. What will the internet do for them? Really. Same for the local drive in, coffee shop, brewery etc. Sure they all have internet access at home OR the office, but who needs it in both? In the end, is it up to us to force this new technology on people? No. It's up to them to find a way to use it. They have businesses or lives that don't need internet access or broadband. What the heck is wrong with that? What I'm saying is that MOST of those that honestly do have a NEED for broadband access, of some kind, have it today. The rest don't have it cause they don't want it. There is information that should have been included in this article to better explain the real situation but the author of this article does tell the story the way they see it as most people do. I think that much of the press that says that the US is behind the rest of the world ignores that fact that MOST of the time people spend on line is for entertainment. It's a play thing. The internet is taking away from TV not creating something new. Is it really a big deal if people would rather read a book or watch TV? Is it realy a bad thing that folks in the US can find other things to do besides sitting in front of the computer? I think not. How is that rock treating you these days? No tigers I assume. ;-) Which rock? The one I live on? Still hard to grow a lawn here. grin Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Two thoughts here Dawn. First, any bets as to how many of the 22% that can't afford the computer etc. DO have cable TV? I know what the numbers are like in MY area It's near 100%. Next, if 17% say that they don't know how to use the internet it's cause they don't want to. Every town here has FREE internet access. Open to the public in
RE: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households havenoInternet...and donotplan to get it
Absolutely! I know people who work locally, but don't really want to head home to use the internet. They know ALL the free hotspots and hit them as needed...generally buying something from the host business as well. Jeff -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of CHUCK PROFITO Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 5:50 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: RE: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households havenoInternet...and donotplan to get it MARLON, Starting to agree here. Some of our odd ones: I have 2 fruit stands, adding a third tomorrow, many restaurants, one big o tire and an oil change place, an 89 year old widow ( family tree stuff, can't spell) and a couple of mechanic shops and a truck shop. And some have home connections also, when that happens we single bill the business with 10% off. Why do they have it? Internet banking, parts look up, comparison shopping the competition, business and personal e mail, and customer open hotspots. It's a big draw for travelers and sales people. They will schedule their time and service stops where they have access. Hell, an oil change stop is not wasted time any more, their working in the waiting room, they're doing presentations at the coffee shop, and touring real estate selling property , and doing loan apps over lunch, live on my network. AND THE OWNERS GET TO USE IT TOO ! Chuck Profito 209-988-7388 CV-ACCESS, INC [EMAIL PROTECTED] Providing High Speed Broadband to Rural Central California -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dawn DiPietro Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 2:09 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households have noInternet...and donotplan to get it Marlon, Are you sure you are in the business of selling Internet? You find more excuses why potential customers don't need your services. The Internet is NOT just for entertainment. So I suppose this tire shop doesn't use a phone, make appointments, order parts, check on parts ordered, have a bank account and making so much money that they don't need to find ways to save time and money? Do you really believe that none of these businesses in your area have a need for an Internet connection? If you do then it is time to find something else to sell. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Marlon, It's so much easier for you to justify the whole thing by saying everyone that wants internet access has it. There is no way education and economics would change this situation? What situation? If one doesn't know about internet by now there's no level of education that will change that. The local tire shop doesn't have internet access. And why should they? The do tires and pump gas. What will the internet do for them? Really. Same for the local drive in, coffee shop, brewery etc. Sure they all have internet access at home OR the office, but who needs it in both? In the end, is it up to us to force this new technology on people? No. It's up to them to find a way to use it. They have businesses or lives that don't need internet access or broadband. What the heck is wrong with that? What I'm saying is that MOST of those that honestly do have a NEED for broadband access, of some kind, have it today. The rest don't have it cause they don't want it. There is information that should have been included in this article to better explain the real situation but the author of this article does tell the story the way they see it as most people do. I think that much of the press that says that the US is behind the rest of the world ignores that fact that MOST of the time people spend on line is for entertainment. It's a play thing. The internet is taking away from TV not creating something new. Is it really a big deal if people would rather read a book or watch TV? Is it realy a bad thing that folks in the US can find other things to do besides sitting in front of the computer? I think not. How is that rock treating you these days? No tigers I assume. ;-) Which rock? The one I live on? Still hard to grow a lawn here. grin Regards, Dawn DiPietro Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Two thoughts here Dawn. First, any bets as to how many of the 22% that can't afford the computer etc. DO have cable TV? I know what the numbers are like in MY area It's near 100%. Next, if 17% say that they don't know how to use the internet it's cause they don't want to. Every town here has FREE internet access. Open to the public in the library. Everyone also has friends with computers that would let their friends use the internet on if it was needed. No, as much as we technogeeks like to think that the world would come to an end without internet access, the truth of the matter is that it's still possible to live one's life without internet access. And fully 1/3rd of the US population has
RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
It is really unfortunate that more people didn't go. Despite the low attendance, the speaker slate was terrific. Fat Tuesday was very interesting as well! Jeff -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom DeReggi Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 12:24 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's Unfortunately, WISPCON has not evolved with the industry... By attendance, maybe he hasn't. But I'd argue, he's attempting to. His show topics were very different than previous shows, attempting to evolve/expand to the enw relevent market segments which utilize Wireless technology. SO he may not have yet EVOLVED, but he is EVOLVING. Tom DeReggi RapidDSL Wireless, Inc IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband - Original Message - From: Charles Wu [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:09 AM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's IMO, a lot of it has to do with changes within the industry and the perception of what a WISP is... The technical definition of a WISP is a Wireless Internet Service Provider, or anyone who puts a stick up somewhere (tower, AP, etc) and delivers broadband service via wireless medium to customer endpoints (fixed or mobile). If you think about it, Marlon is just as much of a WISP as is Travis Johnson as is Tom DeReggi as is the Rural Telco using wireless as is XO as is Clearwire. However, the perception of a WISP is more so than just a wireless service provider, over time, the definition of a WISP has evolved to represent a specific type of service provider. Specifically, for better or for worse, the broader industry has come to classify the WISP as a cowboy startup operator who builds his POPs with duck-tape and bailing wire and is using unlicensed frequencies to rebel against the Telco / Cableco. Reality is a bit different...Motorola Canopy shipped their 1 millionth SM last April, the Pew report from last year gave a number representing that 5-6% of all broadband subscribers in the United States are being serviced by Broadband Wireless...reality is that a lot of people like Travis Johnson or Jon Langeler or Tom DeReggi or Jon Scrivner (and probably at least 60% of this listserv) have businesses that are going concerns and run reliable and professional broadband wireless networks, make an honest and decent living and are still growing at a pretty nice rate. So here's the interesting part A lot of you who know me from the years know that I started a WISP in the Chicago land area back in the late 90s, and that I sold the network in late 2004 (if you didn't, you know now). The people who bought my WISP were former Telco / CLEC guys (the main guy was the former president of Nextlink USA / XO Communications). After buying my network, they did an interesting rebranding initiative...they were no longer a WISP -- rather, they call themselves an independent wireless network operator. -- results of this rebranding initiative (and by wearing suits), they raised $3.5 million and tripled ARPU growth and are doing, IMO, a pretty good job dominating the market here. Are we splitting hairs...perhaps, but in many instances...perception is reality For example -- when the industry hears Wireless Network Operator -- they think of the following types of companies www.bobbroadband.com www.nextweb.net www.airband.com www.metrobridge.com When the industry hears WISP -- they think of the following types of companies www.foxvalley.net www.wtconnect.com www.qisconsulting.com www.coolaccess.net Now, the reality of the situation is that both types of companies are doing EXACTLY the same thing, and in most cases, both types of companies do it EXACTLY the same way (same type of infrastructure, same quality network, etc). but for many (specifically the more profitable higher ARPU mainstream customers), product packaging is as important as product quality. What I've seen is that as the industry has matured and grown, a lot of people this WISP category, being smart business people, have realized this and are (consciously or unconsciously) trying to move their business from being perceived as a WISP to being perceived as a Wireless Network Operator So what does all this have to do with the topic at hand? The original question was as follows I was just wandering. I have heard that wireless ISP's are on the decline and most of the ones that remain are selling out or just holding there own. Is that true? I heard there were not as many at the last wispcon due to that. To answer that, WISPCON has always been more of an informal type show, and can be seen as a reflection of the state of the WISP cowboy -- to answer the question, yes, the number of startup cowboys is definately on the decline. However, this is not due to the industry shrinking or WISPs failing -- but rather, it has occured b/c of the evolution of the WISP from
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
Jeff, I think part of the reason attendance was so low was for the lack of advertising. Unless you were on certain lists there was very little mention of WISPCON. Plus the fact that previous shows were canceled made it so not a lot of wireless providers even expected there would be another show. Someone made an off handed remark there was going to be a WISPCON but that was something like a week before the show was expected to take place. I could be wrong but that is my take on it. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Jeff Broadwick wrote: It is really unfortunate that more people didn't go. Despite the low attendance, the speaker slate was terrific. Fat Tuesday was very interesting as well! Jeff -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom DeReggi Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 12:24 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's Unfortunately, WISPCON has not evolved with the industry... By attendance, maybe he hasn't. But I'd argue, he's attempting to. His show topics were very different than previous shows, attempting to evolve/expand to the enw relevent market segments which utilize Wireless technology. SO he may not have yet EVOLVED, but he is EVOLVING. Tom DeReggi RapidDSL Wireless, Inc IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband - Original Message - From: Charles Wu [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:09 AM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's IMO, a lot of it has to do with changes within the industry and the perception of what a WISP is... The technical definition of a WISP is a Wireless Internet Service Provider, or anyone who puts a stick up somewhere (tower, AP, etc) and delivers broadband service via wireless medium to customer endpoints (fixed or mobile). If you think about it, Marlon is just as much of a WISP as is Travis Johnson as is Tom DeReggi as is the Rural Telco using wireless as is XO as is Clearwire. However, the perception of a WISP is more so than just a wireless service provider, over time, the definition of a WISP has evolved to represent a specific type of service provider. Specifically, for better or for worse, the broader industry has come to classify the WISP as a cowboy startup operator who builds his POPs with duck-tape and bailing wire and is using unlicensed frequencies to rebel against the Telco / Cableco. Reality is a bit different...Motorola Canopy shipped their 1 millionth SM last April, the Pew report from last year gave a number representing that 5-6% of all broadband subscribers in the United States are being serviced by Broadband Wireless...reality is that a lot of people like Travis Johnson or Jon Langeler or Tom DeReggi or Jon Scrivner (and probably at least 60% of this listserv) have businesses that are going concerns and run reliable and professional broadband wireless networks, make an honest and decent living and are still growing at a pretty nice rate. So here's the interesting part A lot of you who know me from the years know that I started a WISP in the Chicago land area back in the late 90s, and that I sold the network in late 2004 (if you didn't, you know now). The people who bought my WISP were former Telco / CLEC guys (the main guy was the former president of Nextlink USA / XO Communications). After buying my network, they did an interesting rebranding initiative...they were no longer a WISP -- rather, they call themselves an independent wireless network operator. -- results of this rebranding initiative (and by wearing suits), they raised $3.5 million and tripled ARPU growth and are doing, IMO, a pretty good job dominating the market here. Are we splitting hairs...perhaps, but in many instances...perception is reality For example -- when the industry hears Wireless Network Operator -- they think of the following types of companies www.bobbroadband.com www.nextweb.net www.airband.com www.metrobridge.com When the industry hears WISP -- they think of the following types of companies www.foxvalley.net www.wtconnect.com www.qisconsulting.com www.coolaccess.net Now, the reality of the situation is that both types of companies are doing EXACTLY the same thing, and in most cases, both types of companies do it EXACTLY the same way (same type of infrastructure, same quality network, etc). but for many (specifically the more profitable higher ARPU mainstream customers), product packaging is as important as product quality. What I've seen is that as the industry has matured and grown, a lot of people this WISP category, being smart business people, have realized this and are (consciously or unconsciously) trying to move their business from being perceived as a WISP to being perceived as a Wireless Network Operator So what does all this have to do with the topic at hand? The original question was as follows I was just wandering. I have heard that
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (leasing)
Who's credit is used? Does the customer do the leasing? Are they signing a lease agreement? If so, what happens if they have bad credit? - Peter Travis Johnson wrote: And thus my argument (and proof of concept) for leasing the CPE... going on 5 years now with leasing and we could do 1,000 installs per month (assuming we could get the man-power, vehicles, tools, etc.) if we wanted. The other difference is we aren't using VC money or ANY outside investments... when we install a new customer, $39 per month is our starting package. $10 per month goes to pay for the CPE equipment. I don't have to come up with ANY money out-of-pocket, AND the installers time, vehicle expenses, gas, tools, etc. are paid for by the customer. So, it doesn't cost me a dime to install a new customer. :) Travis Microserv -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
Mac, The big thing everyone forgets about the leases... you can buy in much higher quantities, thus cancelling out all the interest. We now buy CPE 250 at a time. So, even after 3 years of interest, I am paying the same as the guy buying them 10 at a time. :) Travis Microserv Mac Dearman wrote: I guess my thoughts are - -well - - my own. I did one lease deal years ago and have never been so proud to finally get it paid off. We always pay for our CPE as we order them. I could be wrong about all of this, but I like being debt free and yes we suffer cash flow problems from time to time, but we have never been to a point that we couldn't buy the CPE we needed. One of the bad things about the lease deal is not just interest, but you can't pay them off early and save any interest if you choose to do so. Mac Dearman -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Travis Johnson Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 8:54 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's All different companies... whoever has the best deal at the time. CitiCapital GE Avalon LEAF Financial and many others Travis Microserv Carl A jeptha wrote: Who are you leasing from??? You have a Good Day now, Carl A Jeptha http://www.airnet.ca Office Phone: 905 349-2084 Office Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm skype cajeptha Travis Johnson wrote: And thus my argument (and proof of concept) for leasing the CPE... going on 5 years now with leasing and we could do 1,000 installs per month (assuming we could get the man-power, vehicles, tools, etc.) if we wanted. The other difference is we aren't using VC money or ANY outside investments... when we install a new customer, $39 per month is our starting package. $10 per month goes to pay for the CPE equipment. I don't have to come up with ANY money out-of-pocket, AND the installers time, vehicle expenses, gas, tools, etc. are paid for by the customer. So, it doesn't cost me a dime to install a new customer. :) Travis Microserv Marlon K. Schafer wrote: My cash flow doesn't support it. We started this business with a ton of debt and no outside income other than my wife's part time job. It takes money to grow. Grow too fast and you can run out of money just as fast as you can by not growing fast enough. How many companies do you know that failed in spite of amazing growth? grin marlon - Original Message - From: Travis Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's Wow... that's not the right attitude for a business that once the customer is gone, you won't get them back. We are growing as fast as we can. March will be another record month for us with 120+ installs. If we could do 200, I would. I'm not sure why anyone would not want faster growth? Could it be that your business model doesn't support the growth? Travis Microserv Marlon K. Schafer wrote: Our marketing is almost exclusively word of mouth. We loose $50 to $100 per sub just to show up at the door. The last thing in the world I need right now is faster growth! I've heard of people having great luck with door hangers or agreements with computer repair folks. marlon - Original Message - From: Smith, Rick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 12:58 PM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's OK Marlon, how're you getting those customers to know about the choice you offer ? As a guy who's promising investors around 500 customers / year, I'm starting to look seriously into how to get those customers on board. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marlon K. Schafer Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 12:54 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's Yeah. We're teeny tiny yet. I put in about 80 radios last year. Some were new some were repairs or upgrades etc. We ended up with a net of 52 new subs when it all shook out. I've put in over 50 new subs so far this year! I'd been hoping to hit 375 wireless subs by the end of this year. Now I'll be amazed if we end up with less than 425. Sell out? Now? Why? I'm still able to do this with two people. Me and one part timer in the office. The wife spends a few hours per week on bills too. Sure I'm working more than 8 hours per day most days, but 2 to 4 of that is on the lists and/or WISPA (you guys are gonna be amazed at what's likely to come out of wispa in the next 12 months!) and push comes to shove I could drop those activities. Looking back over the last three years we're growing our annual revenue by about 15 to 16% per year. Even though we've cut our dialup base by more than 50%. Probably closer to 60 or 70% now. We're running about a 20% margin overall. And that margin will now start to
Re: [WISPA] one-third of U.S. households havenoInternet...and donotplan to get it
Jeff Broadwick wrote: Personally, I think there are certain people who should NOT be allowed to have internet access! People who Yeah, people who don't pay their bills! -- George Rogato Welcome to WISPA www.wispa.org http://signup.wispa.org/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (leasing)
This is all thru our company. We own the equipment when the lease is over. Right now, after doing this for 5 years, we still have about 85% of our original CPE in the field. Travis Microserv Peter R. wrote: Who's credit is used? Does the customer do the leasing? Are they signing a lease agreement? If so, what happens if they have bad credit? - Peter Travis Johnson wrote: And thus my argument (and proof of concept) for leasing the CPE... going on 5 years now with leasing and we could do 1,000 installs per month (assuming we could get the man-power, vehicles, tools, etc.) if we wanted. The other difference is we aren't using VC money or ANY outside investments... when we install a new customer, $39 per month is our starting package. $10 per month goes to pay for the CPE equipment. I don't have to come up with ANY money out-of-pocket, AND the installers time, vehicle expenses, gas, tools, etc. are paid for by the customer. So, it doesn't cost me a dime to install a new customer. :) Travis Microserv -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] [PR] One Ring Networks Helps Midtown Blue Safety Force Expand Criminal Surveillance Program
One Ring Networks Helps Midtown Blue Safety Force Expand Criminal Surveillance Program Observing Crimes in Awkward Places Made Possible and Affordable with Next Generation Wireless Technology ATLANTA (April 2, 2007) - Criminals may run, but they can't hide anymore. At least not in midtown Atlanta. Midtown Blue Public Safety Force has deployed surveillance cameras throughout midtown with the help of wireless network provider One Ring Networks. Midtown Blue has deployed surveillance cameras throughout midtown to better monitor high-crime areas and provide quicker response. The surveillance program is made possible by relatively new wireless technology that provides high bandwidth communications to out-of-the-way locations beyond what copper-based services can offer and at a much lower cost. Fixed wireless communications affords the ability to relay video images from cameras in awkward places where traditional broadband carriers can't reach, said One Ring Networks CEO Matt Liotta. That video feed is then routed back to monitors observed by Midtown Blue Safety Force. There are now 23 video cameras positioned throughout midtown Atlanta to help Midtown Blue better monitor the most dangerous areas of the city. Midtown Blue Public Safety Manager and Homeland Security Coordinator Wayne Mock hopes to increase that number to 35. The cameras have already played a major role in reducing crime, said Mock. When we first began the project about a year ago, we were limited in the number of cameras we could deploy. Telecommunications service from ATT was cost prohibitive and they didn't have the flexibility to supply service in the dark nooks where crime often takes place. One Ring Networks was able to provide wireless service at an affordable price. They also have the ability to connect to cameras in the hard-to-reach places where crimes are being committed. About One Ring Networks One Ring Networks operates one of the largest hybrid fiber-fixed wireless networks in the United States and is one of the few carriers offering end-to-end telecommunications and networking services without relying on other companies' networks. Over its next generation network, One Ring offers high-speed data services, feature-rich IP phone services, IP telephony infrastructure, integration and management, and network monitoring and management. For more information, go to www.oneringnetworks.com. About Midtown Blue Safety Force Midtown Blue is a 24/7 private security force of off-duty Atlanta Police officers dedicated to increasing public safety and decreasing crime. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
Referral system. Marketing via door hangers and signs. PR. Guerrilla marketing. Smith, Rick wrote: OK Marlon, how're you getting those customers to know about the choice you offer ? As a guy who's promising investors around 500 customers / year, I'm starting to look seriously into how to get those customers on board. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Moderator Action
I have suspended JohnnyO for comments made last week. This is a 3 day suspension. Here are the rules of the list. This list is dedicated to the regulatory, legislative and best practices of the WISP industry. The list is currently a public list server but will likely become a members only service in the near future. Rules are as follows: 1) Always be civil and professional. 2) No rude comments. 3) No cussing. 4) No personal attacks or complaining on the list. 5) No selling or self promotion allowed. 6) Commercial advertisements of any kind require prior board approval. 7) Issues regarding operation of the list or problems with list members are to be directed to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Respectfully, Rick Harnish President OnlyInternet Broadband Wireless, Inc. 260-827-2482 Founding Member of WISPA -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] wispa list private?
Please don't take the general wispa list private. I think that taking such an action would be detrimental to all subscribers, both members and non-members and would be out of synch with the statement below. For the record- Im a member. Chris Cooper Intelliwave This list is dedicated to the regulatory, legislative and best practices of the WISP industry. The list is currently a public list server but will likely become a members only service in the near future. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
I would disagree with that. Further, I would say that most of the folks using an MT/StarOS system would tell you that price had little or nothing to do with their decision. There are plenty of solutions available that are just as cheap as building your own, perhaps cheaper - all things considered. On 4/1/07, Travis Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And then the issue becomes how much that vendor is going to mark-up the product, in addition to the FCC cert costs for all their time, efforts, etc. Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sat, 31 Mar 2007, Doug Ratcliffe wrote: As far as Mikrotik goes, if any one/more/all MT vendor(s) in this country paid an FCC lab to certify the boards/radios (can't the radios/antennas can be modular certified by Ubiquiti/Senao?), could that work as a blanket certification that MT could attach to their boards/radios, or does each individual unit/vendor need an FCC certification? Each particular vendor will need a cert for the complete system they build. FWIW, I have been pushing MANY vendors to build and certify some Mikrotik radios. You can help yourself here by going to YOUR vendor and asking them to do the same. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- Chad Halsted The Computer Works Conway, AR www.tcworks.net -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
Honestly, Would you buy RB112/532/whatever boards if they cost $1k vs $100 each? -Charles --- WiNOG Wireless Roadshows Coming to a City Near You http://www.winog.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chad Halsted Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 5:20 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans I would disagree with that. Further, I would say that most of the folks using an MT/StarOS system would tell you that price had little or nothing to do with their decision. There are plenty of solutions available that are just as cheap as building your own, perhaps cheaper - all things considered. On 4/1/07, Travis Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And then the issue becomes how much that vendor is going to mark-up the product, in addition to the FCC cert costs for all their time, efforts, etc. Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sat, 31 Mar 2007, Doug Ratcliffe wrote: As far as Mikrotik goes, if any one/more/all MT vendor(s) in this country paid an FCC lab to certify the boards/radios (can't the radios/antennas can be modular certified by Ubiquiti/Senao?), could that work as a blanket certification that MT could attach to their boards/radios, or does each individual unit/vendor need an FCC certification? Each particular vendor will need a cert for the complete system they build. FWIW, I have been pushing MANY vendors to build and certify some Mikrotik radios. You can help yourself here by going to YOUR vendor and asking them to do the same. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- Chad Halsted The Computer Works Conway, AR www.tcworks.net -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] New Associate Member of WISPA
Please welcome Peter Radizeski of RAD-INFO as WISPA's newest Associate Member. I know many of you already know Peter as someone who has a wealth of knowledge to bring to our efforts. I am sure I speak for us all in saying thanks to Peter for making his relationship with WISPA formal. Here is a little more information about Peter and RAD-INFO: In 2000, Peter started in Telecom as a BellSouth Agent. His niche then as now is the Internet Solution Provider. Today, RAD-INFO, Inc. represents about 20 carriers selling Internet Bandwidth, private lines, SIP termination, collocation and varied other services from the likes of ATT, Savvis, Global Crossing, Level(3), etc. RAD-INFO, Inc. was a vendor member of FISPA. During my 5 years there, I served many roles starting with a position on the Membership Committee, followed up by being Legislative Chair, and eventually a Board member. Later, I was a founder and Executive Director of another ISP association created for the sole purpose of fighting forbearance and mega-mergers. This led to our involvement with an Ad Hoc committee of interested parties, loosely tied with the WBIA. I like to write. I'm kind of opinionated. Posts on all manner of ISP lists can prove that. At RAD-INFO, we used to publish a newsletter, which has been replaced by 2 blogs. It was kind of surprise that Phone Plus magazine asked me to blog for them as well (blog # 3). And comments I receive have been for the most part positive. (I'm still amazed that people actually read what I write). Today, my focus is on consulting. The days of it being about the technology are over. RAD-INFO believes that the next phase for ISPs is to Guerrilla Market their service offerings to their target audience. Re-Imagine and Differentiate or Die are not just book titles but business lessons. Here's hoping I can help a few WISP's and maybe help the Industry. -- Regards, Peter Radizeski RAD-INFO, Inc. - NSP Strategist We Help ISPs Connect Communicate 813.963.5884 http://www.marketingIDEAguy.com -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Nextlink's numbers
For those interested... Looking through XO Holdings for FY06 they breakout Nextlink's performance. The headline is revenue of $1.2M on expenses of $17M. -Matt -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] the straight scoop on CALEA
Marlon, All I can say is, this is great. Thanks so much to you guys (and gal) for doing this work. For me, this CALEA safe harbor work you are doing alone makes me feel justified in paying to be a member of WISPA. I probably would not even have become conscious in a serious way of CALEA without the help of WISPA. I expect our dues don't even cover your expenses for this work, so all I can say is thanks. Question: have you considered posting this document on the WISPA website so that we can publish links to it? For example, I'd like to share this info with opencalea.org mailing list; I think it would benefit them and the larger community. Also thanks to Clint for his recent posts, in particular the contact info of the fellow at the FBI who we can work with to test our compliance. Best regards, Adam --- Adam Greene VP, Operations Webjogger Internet Services http://www.webjogger.net (845) 757-4000 x134 - Original Message - From: Marlon K. Schafer [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Principal WISPA Member List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 11:46 AM Subject: [WISPA] the straight scoop on CALEA Hi All, As many of you know, WISPA sent a team to Quantico to talk to the FBI's CALEA team first hand. We went down with a compilation of most of the questions that people had asked on all of the lists we could find. Here are the main questions and answers as worked out between WISPs and the FBI's CALEA team. As you can see, there is NO reason to panic. There is NO data storage requirement other than what's needed to deal with the specific warrant. There is no requirement to use an expensive TTP solution etc. Heck, they won't even toss you in jail for that free open hotspot you have! I hope people sleep better after having read this. Special thanks to Mike, Eric, Martha, Brent and Marty for all of the hours and hours and hours that they have put into this doc. Not to mention the money and time they put into the trip to Virginia! Great job guys (and gal), many many thanks. The deadline to be compliant is coming up in May. There are a couple of mechanisms that look like they'll allow you guys to be compliant very quickly and without going broke in the process. Image Stream has been deeply involved with this and a couple of other efforts that WISPA is working on in regards to CALEA. As is Butch Evens. Both have solutions that should work for folks if you get a warrant issued before the rest of the things we're working on are finished up. I'll release more info on what we're doing at the association level as soon as I can. Please know though, we have some very bright people deeply involved in things related to CALEA and it's impact on our businesses. The next phases will take several months though. Sincerely, Marlon K. Schafer FCC Committee Chairman www.wispa.org -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
Yep, price has nothing to do with it from our perspective. All about the options @ the antenna. Ospf. Routing. Hotspot. On every rooftop.That brings mesh on the next go around. Very important in the long run. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chad Halsted Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 6:20 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans I would disagree with that. Further, I would say that most of the folks using an MT/StarOS system would tell you that price had little or nothing to do with their decision. There are plenty of solutions available that are just as cheap as building your own, perhaps cheaper - all things considered. On 4/1/07, Travis Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And then the issue becomes how much that vendor is going to mark-up the product, in addition to the FCC cert costs for all their time, efforts, etc. Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sat, 31 Mar 2007, Doug Ratcliffe wrote: As far as Mikrotik goes, if any one/more/all MT vendor(s) in this country paid an FCC lab to certify the boards/radios (can't the radios/antennas can be modular certified by Ubiquiti/Senao?), could that work as a blanket certification that MT could attach to their boards/radios, or does each individual unit/vendor need an FCC certification? Each particular vendor will need a cert for the complete system they build. FWIW, I have been pushing MANY vendors to build and certify some Mikrotik radios. You can help yourself here by going to YOUR vendor and asking them to do the same. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- Chad Halsted The Computer Works Conway, AR www.tcworks.net -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Is your ISP worth more than 1.2x ?
Speakeasy went for 1.2x annual revenue. What is a smaller isp worth? http://www.speakeasy.net/press/pr/pr032707.php Best Buy anticipates a closing date for the transaction in the first quarter of its 2008 fiscal year. Following the close, Speakeasy would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy. The company disclosed the purchase price of approximately $97 million, which represents approximately 1.2 times Speakeasy's calendar year 2006 revenue of $80 million. Best Buy currently expects the transaction to be neutral to fiscal 2008 earnings. -- George Rogato Welcome to WISPA www.wispa.org http://signup.wispa.org/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Is your ISP worth more than 1.2x ?
Speakeasy was not a WISP. *Middletown, RI—Jan. 30, 2007—*Towerstream (OTCBB: TWER.OB), a leading fixed wireless Internet provider, today announced the launch of its Hi-Vi T1+ wireless broadband solution in the Seattle metropolitan area. The company has acquired Speakeasy's wireless broadband network assets in Seattle, enabling Towerstream to deliver high availability wireless broadband to area businesses with 99.999% reliability for a fraction of traditional carrier costs. The Company will also partner with Speakeasy, a national small business-focused voice and data services provider, for distribution of fixed wireless broadband services in major cities throughout the country. Speakeasy at the time of sale to Best Buy was a hosting company, non-facilities based ISP, and VOIP Provider. Speakeasy sells nationwide leasing the access from various carriers through WTG ( a reseller). 1.2x is about right for a Business ISP. Regards, Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. George Rogato wrote: Speakeasy went for 1.2x annual revenue. What is a smaller isp worth? http://www.speakeasy.net/press/pr/pr032707.php Best Buy anticipates a closing date for the transaction in the first quarter of its 2008 fiscal year. Following the close, Speakeasy would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy. The company disclosed the purchase price of approximately $97 million, which represents approximately 1.2 times Speakeasy's calendar year 2006 revenue of $80 million. Best Buy currently expects the transaction to be neutral to fiscal 2008 earnings. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
On Sun, 1 Apr 2007, Travis Johnson wrote: Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) I can't speak for others, but I would assume that most people buy them for the same reason I do (did)...Function. It has nothing to do with cost, though that is certainly a factor. I can't speculate on how many would buy if it were $500 (or whatever)... -- Butch Evans Network Engineering and Security Consulting 573-276-2879 http://www.butchevans.com/ My calendar: http://tinyurl.com/y24ad6 Training Partners: http://tinyurl.com/smfkf Mikrotik Certified Consultant http://www.mikrotik.com/consultants.html -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Nextlink's numbers
That is about average for an XO company :) http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=xoho.ob Matt Liotta wrote: For those interested... Looking through XO Holdings for FY06 they breakout Nextlink's performance. The headline is revenue of $1.2M on expenses of $17M. -Matt -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
I can tell you now, the sales volume would be MUCH less if the price went up... yes, they have great functionality, but a lot of people are buying them because of the price alone. Even if an RB532 went up to only $200, it becomes more cost effective to buy Trango, Canopy, etc. for less money (because you still have to add antenna, radio card, pigtail, etc.). Mikrotik, StarOS, etc. are selling because of price. The extra features are just a bonus. :) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sun, 1 Apr 2007, Travis Johnson wrote: Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) I can't speak for others, but I would assume that most people buy them for the same reason I do (did)...Function. It has nothing to do with cost, though that is certainly a factor. I can't speculate on how many would buy if it were $500 (or whatever)... -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
I ride both sides of this fence I started out leasing all of my CPE in March 2004 and for the next 24 months did more leases when we needed more CPE, buying 100 at a time. We reached a point where it looked like it didn't make a lot of sense to continue the leasing. The rates were getting a little ridiculous and the credit report looked terrible because the leases were with so many different companies. The main benefit of leasing is that you can spread out your growth penalty (the up front loss when adding a new customer) and offer more competitive installation plans. The catch is that you have the interest tacked on top and it costs you more money in the long run. I did several things after we stopped leasing to maintain our cash flow and growth. The first was to raise install prices to $250 from $150. This was enough to cash flow all costs of installation, but we were losing a few customers to competitors because of the higher install rate. To help counteract that, we offered $100 off installation (and a free month of service) for customers who paid for the installation and six months of service up front. This amounted to a $150 discount for folks who signed up for a $50/month plan, and although we took that hit over the next six months, we had the money to cover installation costs up front. This method worked because we had enough established cash flow to cover other expenses during that first six months - it would not work for a startup very well. What really got us over the hump was the purchase of 375 used CPE radios from an operator who switched away from Tranzeo. Getting a bunch of radios at 1/3 the cost of new ones was huge. We ran some installation specials at $150 and then settled in at $200 as being the optimal installation charge for our area - balancing the need for growth with the need for cash flow up front. Another item that helped - after two years of pretty rapid expansion, we have not expanded geographically and have focused on adding more high capacity 5ghz gear on existing locations. By taking a breath we have been able to fill in a lot of our existing access points that were relatively sparse and migrate heavier users to 5ghz radios. This month, we paid off the first of our leases after three years, and every two months or so, we will lose $500-$1000 a month in expenses as the leases drop off. With our current rate structure and the cash flow of our customer base, we can buy radios out of cash flow and still maintain a nice growth rate. Leasing has its uses, but in my experience there is a point where it makes sense to grow out of cash flow. I'm glad that it is an available tool. Matt Larsen Vistabeam.com Travis Johnson wrote: Mac, The big thing everyone forgets about the leases... you can buy in much higher quantities, thus cancelling out all the interest. We now buy CPE 250 at a time. So, even after 3 years of interest, I am paying the same as the guy buying them 10 at a time. :) Travis Microserv Mac Dearman wrote: I guess my thoughts are - -well - - my own. I did one lease deal years ago and have never been so proud to finally get it paid off. We always pay for our CPE as we order them. I could be wrong about all of this, but I like being debt free and yes we suffer cash flow problems from time to time, but we have never been to a point that we couldn't buy the CPE we needed. One of the bad things about the lease deal is not just interest, but you can't pay them off early and save any interest if you choose to do so. Mac Dearman -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans
*high fives charles* On 4/2/07 3:44 PM, Charles Wu [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Honestly, Would you buy RB112/532/whatever boards if they cost $1k vs $100 each? -Charles --- WiNOG Wireless Roadshows Coming to a City Near You http://www.winog.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chad Halsted Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 5:20 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Our First WISP Consultant Vendor Member - Butch Evans I would disagree with that. Further, I would say that most of the folks using an MT/StarOS system would tell you that price had little or nothing to do with their decision. There are plenty of solutions available that are just as cheap as building your own, perhaps cheaper - all things considered. On 4/1/07, Travis Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And then the issue becomes how much that vendor is going to mark-up the product, in addition to the FCC cert costs for all their time, efforts, etc. Isn't the reason most people are using MT is because of the cost? How many people would buy a RB532 if it was $500? or $1,000? What is everyone's limit? ;) Travis Microserv Butch Evans wrote: On Sat, 31 Mar 2007, Doug Ratcliffe wrote: As far as Mikrotik goes, if any one/more/all MT vendor(s) in this country paid an FCC lab to certify the boards/radios (can't the radios/antennas can be modular certified by Ubiquiti/Senao?), could that work as a blanket certification that MT could attach to their boards/radios, or does each individual unit/vendor need an FCC certification? Each particular vendor will need a cert for the complete system they build. FWIW, I have been pushing MANY vendors to build and certify some Mikrotik radios. You can help yourself here by going to YOUR vendor and asking them to do the same. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- Chad Halsted The Computer Works Conway, AR www.tcworks.net -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
