Brian Webster and Matt Larsen recently proposed a WISP Mapping Initiative which I thought was a great idea. They are currently working on preliminary data and an aggregate coverage map of total WISP coverage which many of you have viewed. I fully support all WISPs to go to http://www.wispdirectory.com and register your WISP, update your information and enter the zip codes your WISP covers. This data will then be sent to Brian to update the coverage map. It is time for all WISPs to stand up and be recognized. We need to do a better proactive job of telling the nation about our industry for the benefit of all in the industry and the many potential customers that do not know our services exist. This aggregate data push is the first step that will bring us higher recognition in the broadband supply circles.
Brian also suggested that we start thinking about the next phase. His suggestion is that we secure a grant for $300,000 as part of the stimulus package. This may be the avenue or there may be other grants available for this next phase. The second phase would be doing proper RF propagation mapping which would be available online and shared with the USDA and other entities, such as State Broadband Coordinators. This will be an excellent marketing tool for every WISP operator as it will bring local recognition of the service areas available by each WISP. I want to know if anyone is versed in Grant Research and Writing? I believe we need to start researching the available grants that may be used for this project and then submit a grant application to gain the funding needed to carry out this agenda. Brian's estimate is $300,000 to do this initial mapping work and build a server capable of handling this data. I would like to seek volunteers to help define this project scope and begin writing a preliminary RFP from which we can seek Grant Research/Writing bids. If there are no grants available, we may need to seek financing from other sources. Volunteers can join the Grants Committee mailing list at http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/grantscommittee. We will form a subcommittee specifically for this project. So far the grants committee has began defining our Mission Statement and Goals. Forbes Mercy is taking the lead with this and has presented initial thoughts on this. We have also submitted an application for responses from Grant Writers on an online Freelance website. So far, we have had 6 responses who are interested in assisting WISPs write Broadband Grants. If anyone knows grant writers that are looking for work, please have them search WISPA on the iFreelance.com website and respond to our request. Below is Forbes's initial work. Suggestions are welcome. Mission Statement: Coordinate grant process to assure fair access and distribution. Goals: 1) Establish liaison with rules committee of Congress on Broadband Initiative and Congressional sponsors. 2) Initiate communication with all potential distributing agencies 3) Provide oversight by lobbyist/member to monitor activity of each step of bill and ongoing contacts. 4) Formulate a consolidated membership opinion letter to be distributed to each member congressional district establishing the following: a) the small business, innovative nature of WISPA members b) track record of serving rural areas versus large providers c) suggestion as to distribution methods in order of favor d) formal request for updates on information received by their offices 5) Seek a collection of grant writers, lobbyists, and interested parties who will position their interests and provide a catalog of services and costs. 6) Provide a web site that members can properly collect desired information to ease requests and create conformity and appearance of a unified process. 7) Report to general membership results of completed tasks and how individual members can continue to support committee. Respectively, Rick Harnish -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WISPA Wants You! Join today! 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/
