Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows)
Dawn, Never mind my last post ;) -RickG On 4/4/07, Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mac, Ken is speaking at ISPCON and we are both going to be there. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Mac Dearman wrote: Dawn, Are you and Ken going to ISPCON? Mac Dearman -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dawn DiPietro Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 7:53 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) All, I have been working on that very issue for the last few weeks and will keep you all posted. There are a ton of choices of restaurants north of the conference hotel about 2 miles on International Drive but I have no prior experience with the area so some input from Peter would definitely be in order. A few places have complimentary shuttles. ;-) Suggestions from those who might be attending would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Sam Tetherow wrote: Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows)
The benefit of the Conference, is you find people that you didn;t know existed, that you wouldn't normally know to invite. Hearing their comments in conferences, is what allows people to learn about others. I jsut recently said, I don't need the conference, just the people in it. But that statement actually was not true. There is a tremendous value in the People Networking, but it is not the ONLY value. The best shows are ones that bringtogeather smart people, and Quality sessions. ISPCON for example has always led the industry with intelligent instruction (content) in its conference session. I've watched ISPs take notes in a session, and come back th next year toughting their success at something, knowing they learned it from teh previous visit at ISPCON. I also got a lot of value from last year's exhibit flow, learning of new products. KNowing your Vendors face to face also has value, to work togeather better. Tom DeReggi RapidDSL Wireless, Inc IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband - Original Message - From: Matt Liotta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'WISPA General List' wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 7:01 PM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) I mostly skip conferences because of me at least all of their value is in networking with others. Unfortunately, some conferences are better than others for networking. I would suggest a better use of people's time and money would be to just to plan a networking event and skip the whole conference hoopla. -Matt -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 6:58 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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/ -- 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 (shows)
Mac, Ken is speaking at ISPCON and we are both going to be there. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Mac Dearman wrote: Dawn, Are you and Ken going to ISPCON? Mac Dearman -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dawn DiPietro Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 7:53 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) All, I have been working on that very issue for the last few weeks and will keep you all posted. There are a ton of choices of restaurants north of the conference hotel about 2 miles on International Drive but I have no prior experience with the area so some input from Peter would definitely be in order. A few places have complimentary shuttles. ;-) Suggestions from those who might be attending would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Sam Tetherow wrote: Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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] Wireless ISP's
Where people often screw up with sales and marketing is thinking that it's a one-size-fits-all type of approach One of the key drivers behind any sales and marketing effort is the identification of your target customer base You'll have a MUCH different approach and strategy if you're selling $29 connections vs. $199 connections vs. $999 connections Here's a curious little tidbit -- a lot of you guys probably know that I'm currently in the distribution business, I sell cheap simple stuff (Mikrotik, Pigtails, etc) and expensive complicated stuff (Licensed Backhauls, Softswitches, Enterprise WiFi systems)...I train my sales people differently depending on their role and/or account focus... Regarding sales, a lot of emphasis is put on closing techniques and objection handling -- however, we have found that these skills and not uniformly applicable across all types of sales For example...when trying to sell a $99 Mikrotik board, where the benefits are readily apparent (it does a lot of stuff really cheap), closing techniques are beneficial b/c they force a decision and shorten the sales cycle (this is an efficiency play) -- why is this helpful, well, if the prospect can't figure out how good of a deal that $99 Mikrotik is within a few minutes, he's not going to figure it out anytime soon, and it's really not worth $99 (plus keep in mind I have a 5-7% average gross profit margin) to spend hours and hours educating someone on this On the other hand, when trying to sell a $75k VoIP softswitch, where the need is customized to the particular customer, closing techniques end up losing the sale b/c the benefits are not always readily available to the customer (and $75k is a much harder and more thought out decision to make than $99 =). In this regard, we actually focus our sales training more on qualification and needs-benefit analysis to (1) determine that this is something that the customer can actually use and (2) educate the customer on how this solution can help them save money, blah blah blah Apologies for my rambling, but I'm not really a morning person, but thought I'd just throw in my 2 cents... -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 Peter R. Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 9:46 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: 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 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 (shows)
Dawn, Looking forward to seeing the two of you again as well as everyone else. I will be in the LaunchPad Pavilion (J) promoting our Secure Email Plus with our partner provider Postini. Frank Muto President FSM Marketing Group, Inc www.SecureEmailPlus.com - Original Message - From: Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mac, Ken is speaking at ISPCON and we are both going to be there. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Mac Dearman wrote: Dawn, Are you and Ken going to ISPCON? 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] Wireless ISP's (shows)
Frank, It will be a pleasure to see you again also. I am sure this will be a great show. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Frank Muto wrote: Dawn, Looking forward to seeing the two of you again as well as everyone else. I will be in the LaunchPad Pavilion (J) promoting our Secure Email Plus with our partner provider Postini. Frank Muto President FSM Marketing Group, Inc www.SecureEmailPlus.com - Original Message - From: Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mac, Ken is speaking at ISPCON and we are both going to be there. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Mac Dearman wrote: Dawn, Are you and Ken going to ISPCON? 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] Wireless ISP's (shows)
The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: Then you would enjoy ISPCON. Because the ISP-CEO evening is just that - everyone talking about what is and is not working. (And the peer-to-peer networking that happens all day and night, until John M. decided to play poker :) Justin Wilson wrote: If I got to a show I ask myself the question most probably ask. What am I going to learn from this? I don't want to go just to hear about new products. I want to go and actually learn things I can apply when I get back home. When we were at the last WISPCON about 6 or 7 of us sat around for 45 minutes and just discussed various stuff. That alone was worth it to me. To see how others are handling issues, certain situations, and the like. Being able to walk up and draw a diagram for someone to see is priceless. Otherwise I would rather spend my money to go to a mikrotik training class, re-up my comtrain cert and maybe go for instructor, etc. Justin -- Life is unfair, but root password Helps --- Justin S. Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] CCNA - A+ - CCNT - TAT - ACSA - COMTRAIN MTIN.NET Wireless - WISP Consulting - Tower Climbing AOLIM: j2sw WEB: http://www.mtin.net Phone: 765.762.2851 -- 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 (shows)
That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: Then you would enjoy ISPCON. Because the ISP-CEO evening is just that - everyone talking about what is and is not working. (And the peer-to-peer networking that happens all day and night, until John M. decided to play poker :) Justin Wilson wrote: If I got to a show I ask myself the question most probably ask. What am I going to learn from this? I don't want to go just to hear about new products. I want to go and actually learn things I can apply when I get back home. When we were at the last WISPCON about 6 or 7 of us sat around for 45 minutes and just discussed various stuff. That alone was worth it to me. To see how others are handling issues, certain situations, and the like. Being able to walk up and draw a diagram for someone to see is priceless. Otherwise I would rather spend my money to go to a mikrotik training class, re-up my comtrain cert and maybe go for instructor, etc. Justin -- Life is unfair, but root password Helps --- Justin S. Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] CCNA - A+ - CCNT - TAT - ACSA - COMTRAIN MTIN.NET Wireless - WISP Consulting - Tower Climbing AOLIM: j2sw WEB: http://www.mtin.net Phone: 765.762.2851 -- 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] Wireless ISP's (shows)
I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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] Wireless ISP's (shows)
I mostly skip conferences because of me at least all of their value is in networking with others. Unfortunately, some conferences are better than others for networking. I would suggest a better use of people's time and money would be to just to plan a networking event and skip the whole conference hoopla. -Matt -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 6:58 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows)
All, I have been working on that very issue for the last few weeks and will keep you all posted. There are a ton of choices of restaurants north of the conference hotel about 2 miles on International Drive but I have no prior experience with the area so some input from Peter would definitely be in order. A few places have complimentary shuttles. ;-) Suggestions from those who might be attending would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Sam Tetherow wrote: Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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] Wireless ISP's (shows)
Dawn, Are you and Ken going to ISPCON? Mac Dearman -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dawn DiPietro Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 7:53 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) All, I have been working on that very issue for the last few weeks and will keep you all posted. There are a ton of choices of restaurants north of the conference hotel about 2 miles on International Drive but I have no prior experience with the area so some input from Peter would definitely be in order. A few places have complimentary shuttles. ;-) Suggestions from those who might be attending would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Sam Tetherow wrote: Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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/
RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows)
I attended my first WISP related show at ISPCON in Santa Clara. I thought it was excellent. But, on the 2nd day they had a CEO open exchange, if I remember right, it started about 4 or 5 and went till about 1 am or so. They started with beer then pizza, I think a vendor bought it, and the beer I not sure who picked up the tab. BUT that one night was worth the total we spent on the entire stay, just in information and contacts. They also opened the show latter on the third day. If this is normal, I apologize for rehashing what you already know, but I was really impressed with the openness of the participants. 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: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 5:53 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) All, I have been working on that very issue for the last few weeks and will keep you all posted. There are a ton of choices of restaurants north of the conference hotel about 2 miles on International Drive but I have no prior experience with the area so some input from Peter would definitely be in order. A few places have complimentary shuttles. ;-) Suggestions from those who might be attending would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Sam Tetherow wrote: Now I really wish I could make it in May with Peter planning the extra curricular. Honestly, I would avoid the poker as it really does kill the conversation for the most part. An organized dinner as well as finding a decent bar that is within walking distance of most of the hotels, both announced prior to the conference would probably help to get more people together after hours. Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: I'll tell you what... I'll actually put a social schedule together for the event. A dinner, some poker, a peer to peer. And if anyone wants it, hit me up in May. (Don't forget to send in why you should get a free pass). Also, if you are bringing the family and want help with where to stay, what to do, etc. Hit me up off-list. Condos and homes (3BR/2BA) are available for rent in Orlando reasonably. Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. Jeff Broadwick wrote: That might not be all bad! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows) The poker game would have been a lot better if someone would have had actual chips. ;) It may be that I knew fewer people at that last 2 ISPCONs but it seemed to me that the WISPCON folks do a lot more socializing than the ISPCON crowd does. Sam Tetherow Sandhills 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/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's (shows)
Jack Brandt at Register.com picked up the tab for the sandwiches and beer. I bought the pizza. Jack and I are speaking together at one of the sessions. ISP-CEO is worth the price of admission alone. BTW, do you have the notes on the Google search money machine? Regards, Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. CHUCK PROFITO wrote: I attended my first WISP related show at ISPCON in Santa Clara. I thought it was excellent. But, on the 2nd day they had a CEO open exchange, if I remember right, it started about 4 or 5 and went till about 1 am or so. They started with beer then pizza, I think a vendor bought it, and the beer I not sure who picked up the tab. BUT that one night was worth the total we spent on the entire stay, just in information and contacts. They also opened the show latter on the third day. If this is normal, I apologize for rehashing what you already know, but I was really impressed with the openness of the participants. Chuck Profito 209-988-7388 CV-ACCESS, INC [EMAIL PROTECTED] Providing High Speed Broadband to Rural Central California -- 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 (shows)
Peter, I am the one that brought up the Google Search money machine... what would you like to know? :) Travis Microserv Peter R. wrote: Jack Brandt at Register.com picked up the tab for the sandwiches and beer. I bought the pizza. Jack and I are speaking together at one of the sessions. ISP-CEO is worth the price of admission alone. BTW, do you have the notes on the Google search money machine? Regards, Peter @ RAD-INFO, Inc. CHUCK PROFITO wrote: I attended my first WISP related show at ISPCON in Santa Clara. I thought it was excellent. But, on the 2nd day they had a CEO open exchange, if I remember right, it started about 4 or 5 and went till about 1 am or so. They started with beer then pizza, I think a vendor bought it, and the beer I not sure who picked up the tab. BUT that one night was worth the total we spent on the entire stay, just in information and contacts. They also opened the show latter on the third day. If this is normal, I apologize for rehashing what you already know, but I was really impressed with the openness of the participants. Chuck Profito 209-988-7388 CV-ACCESS, INC [EMAIL PROTECTED] Providing High Speed Broadband to Rural Central California -- 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
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 boot
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
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
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/
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/
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] Wireless ISP's
He heard it from Bullit I'm sure, who was making excuses for the decline in attendance ? I dunno, I never found much need for shows. Not enough time to go away for 3 days. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of George Rogato Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 7:10 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's Where did you hear this Matt? Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- 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] 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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can write off at least part of almost every trip I take. laters, marlon - Original Message - From: John Scrivner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- 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] Wireless ISP's
He heard it from Bullit I'm sure, who was making excuses for the decline in attendance ? No I did not. I heard it from another wisp. I actually wanted to go in the worst way but was way to busy. Matt I dunno, I never found much need for shows. Not enough time to go away for 3 days. -- 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
Matt wrote: No I did not. I heard it from another wisp. I actually wanted to go in the worst way but was way to busy. Matt Bullit sent WISPA over 5 free passes. We offered them around, not sure if they all went or not. I think what was heard the most was, I would go if I had time, I know that was why I didn't go. I think there are more wisps today than yesterday. -- 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
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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can write off at least part of almost every trip I take. laters, marlon - Original Message - From: John Scrivner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can
RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
I don't know about anyone else, but we almost doubled our subscriber base last year and it appears to be on track for that kind of growth again this year. I was at WISPCON and didn't hear that. Mac -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 5:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's 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. Matt -- 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] 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 boot-strapped startup to going concern. Unfortunately, WISPCON has not evolved with the industry... -Charles winmail.dat-- 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
As WISPs get more educated and mature there is less for them to learn at the shows, and harder for them to leave their demanding business growth. Tom, I would disagree with you on this statement and challenge you by pointing out that your educational needs have evolved from what's an antenna or how do I pronounce fresnel zone to more sophisticated and advanced business and networking topics. You aren't going to the shows as much because you don't perceive the value of the content at a lot of these shows provide (b/c they honestly fail to deliver or they aren't doing a good enough job educating you on what they provide). There's always room for education and growth =) -Charles P.S. -- you also never made it to WiNOG ducking winmail.dat-- 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
WiNOG on the west side of the country would be good... ;) Park City, Utah Las Vegas San Jose Anything soon? Travis Microserv Charles Wu wrote: As WISPs get more educated and mature there is less for them to learn at the shows, and harder for them to leave their demanding business growth. Tom, I would disagree with you on this statement and challenge you by pointing out that your educational needs have evolved from what's an antenna or how do I pronounce fresnel zone to more sophisticated and advanced business and networking topics. You aren't going to the shows as much because you don't perceive the value of the content at a lot of these shows provide (b/c they honestly fail to deliver or they aren't doing a good enough job educating you on what they provide). There's always room for education and growth =) -Charles P.S. -- you also never made it to WiNOG ducking -- 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
Anywhere but San Jose! I have multiple shows/year there and I'm sick of it! :-) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Travis Johnson Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 11:28 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's WiNOG on the west side of the country would be good... ;) Park City, Utah Las Vegas San Jose Anything soon? Travis Microserv Charles Wu wrote: As WISPs get more educated and mature there is less for them to learn at the shows, and harder for them to leave their demanding business growth. Tom, I would disagree with you on this statement and challenge you by pointing out that your educational needs have evolved from what's an antenna or how do I pronounce fresnel zone to more sophisticated and advanced business and networking topics. You aren't going to the shows as much because you don't perceive the value of the content at a lot of these shows provide (b/c they honestly fail to deliver or they aren't doing a good enough job educating you on what they provide). There's always room for education and growth =) -Charles P.S. -- you also never made it to WiNOG ducking -- 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] 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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can write off at least part of almost every trip I take. laters, marlon - Original Message - From: John Scrivner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- 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] 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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can write off at least part of almost every trip I take. laters, marlon - Original Message - From: John Scrivner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- 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/
Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's
If I got to a show I ask myself the question most probably ask. What am I going to learn from this? I don't want to go just to hear about new products. I want to go and actually learn things I can apply when I get back home. When we were at the last WISPCON about 6 or 7 of us sat around for 45 minutes and just discussed various stuff. That alone was worth it to me. To see how others are handling issues, certain situations, and the like. Being able to walk up and draw a diagram for someone to see is priceless. Otherwise I would rather spend my money to go to a mikrotik training class, re-up my comtrain cert and maybe go for instructor, etc. Justin -- Life is unfair, but root password Helps --- Justin S. Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] CCNA - A+ - CCNT - TAT - ACSA - COMTRAIN MTIN.NET Wireless - WISP Consulting - Tower Climbing AOLIM: j2sw WEB: http://www.mtin.net Phone: 765.762.2851 -- 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 wasn't talking about me, but the public in general. (Note: I like WISPCON shows, and was disappointed I could not attend.) I personally would love it if my full time job was to just attend show after show. But I don't need show content to learn, I just need show people. Its the exchange between people that is most valuable. Thats why I love ISPCON so much, it brings in the brightest of the bright, Show after show. Always somebody to talk to and something to talk about. As for WiNog, Eventually I'll get there, if you keep having them. I can't keep making excuses for ever :-) 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 10:10 AM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's As WISPs get more educated and mature there is less for them to learn at the shows, and harder for them to leave their demanding business growth. Tom, I would disagree with you on this statement and challenge you by pointing out that your educational needs have evolved from what's an antenna or how do I pronounce fresnel zone to more sophisticated and advanced business and networking topics. You aren't going to the shows as much because you don't perceive the value of the content at a lot of these shows provide (b/c they honestly fail to deliver or they aren't doing a good enough job educating you on what they provide). There's always room for education and growth =) -Charles P.S. -- you also never made it to WiNOG ducking -- 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] Wireless ISP's
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 go up as many of our fixed costs will not change due to new customers. We won't need more fiber run in, we won't need more servers, we won't need more office computers etc. At least not till we put on another 200 to 400 subs. For the first time in my 12 years in business, I'm having to pay income tax. (remember we closed the copier side and went pure internet around 2001 so the current business is still debt ridden and only a few years old) We just sat down with the accountant and I'll spend more in income tax last year than I did to buy the car I'm driving! In fact, my next tax bill will be HALF of what I budgeted for network expansion and improvement over the next TWO years! deep sigh The sad part is, I still drive a car with 260k on it. Any money we make goes to feed 5 hungry mouths in this house and paying off all of the debt from the copier biz. 2 more years and I'm gonna buy that vette one way or another! grin But sell out? Now? Sure. For 4x annual revenue I'll think about it. Other than that, where can I possibly find a job that'll drop down to a part time commitment in 36 or so months? Be almost completely debt free and new tools will be measured in the hundreds not thousands? Oh yeah, I whine about my hours, but I can always schedule time off if I want/need. I rarely miss any of the kid's games/plays etc. Somedays we play hooky at the office and head to the river instead of work. And I can write off at least part of almost every trip I take. laters, marlon - Original Message - From: John Scrivner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- 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/ -- 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
Where did you hear this Matt? Matt wrote: 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. 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] Wireless ISP's
There weren't that many at the last WISPCON because of the peckerhead who runs WISPCON JohnnyO -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 5:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's 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. Matt -- 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] Wireless ISP's
LMAO JohnnyO wrote: There weren't that many at the last WISPCON because of the peckerhead who runs WISPCON JohnnyO -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 5:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's 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. 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] Wireless ISP's
Funny. That should raise some feedback :-) WISPs are growing faster than ever, and most WISPs aren't selling out, because its to early to sell out. As WISPs get more educated and mature there is less for them to learn at the shows, and harder for them to leave their demanding business growth. There are however fewer startup WISPs each year, as the later in the game one enters the lesss chance they have to grow to the stage to get an ROI. Tom DeReggi RapidDSL Wireless, Inc IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband - Original Message - From: Matt [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 5:04 PM Subject: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's 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. Matt -- 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] Wireless ISP's
Tell us how you really feel. ;-) JohnnyO wrote: There weren't that many at the last WISPCON because of the peckerhead who runs WISPCON JohnnyO -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 5:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Wireless ISP's 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. 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] Wireless ISP's
Matt, If that is what the buzz was at WISPCON then it sounds like they were reaching for straws. Since they canceled the last few shows before the most recent show maybe it just lost momentum. You might want to head to some other industry related trade shows also to find out for yourself if what you heard is true or not. There are a few trade shows coming up in the coming months where wireless is predominantly featured. Regards, Dawn DiPietro Matt wrote: 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. 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] Wireless ISP's
I don't know who told you that. We had our best growth and highest earning year last year and this year looks to break that record. Most WISPs I talk to say the same. Scriv Matt wrote: 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. Matt -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
