I recently came across this article at PC MAG

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340369,00.asp

“His problem is overcoming the perception that WISPs are just know-nothings with routers. “Sometimes I don’t like the term because people think of it as small-time,” he says. “We have tons of wireless infrastructure. The point is, a WISP can involve hybrid networks bringing infrastructure up a lot quicker than waiting for a phone line.” In fact, one of the company’s top testimonials came from AT&T, which utilized Rapid Systems’ technology to unwire the White House press corps during a presidential visit. Still, Jurman points out that most people’s needs aren’t . . .”

I find that a conception of Wireless Internet Service Provider that is baffeling.  I find the highest problem with a small time WISP is the same problem the big boys have and that is solid customer service.  I believe this balance between providing a profitable service and providing the customer’s definition of good customer service is sometimes a delicate tightrope for a small business to walk.  If you can walk the line so to speak you can do well but in the world of WISP, I believe the future will point to these as the bread and butter of Internet access to rural America and other parts of the world where the cost of wired/fiber optic and the limitations of satellite make these Service Providers kings of their domain.

Glenn Scott

No usually large scale deals between companies bears little significance to everyones day to day life. But not this deal, not this time. Sprint’s and Clearwire’s agreement puts them in the drivers seat to possibly launch the largest broadband wireless internet provider in the nation using state of the art WiMax technology. This technology backed by industry heavyweights like Intel, Microsoft and Sprint have pitted the otherwise small Nextel/Sprint clearly in a let’s push our advantage against the larger incumbents including AT&T and Verizon.

If you look at Clearwire.com you can get an idea of the competition we are looking at for the Broadband Internet, Phone and even cable duopolies currently operating in much of the Country. Not to mention the literally millions of people left in the Internet dark ages from their homes due to cost and lack of availability of inexpensive broadband.

What does this mean to you and to me? Well it means more opportunity, more availability and better communication and information for all. It means rural customers won’t be left in the lurch depending on dial up when you offer up an informative video, pdf or other online documentation of your product and service. Did you want to see that horse I had for sale, oh a brochure, sure just send it to me in the mail. A few days or a week later when it comes, does the customer even want to see your horse now?

There are innovations and opportunities afforded by a new universal broadband that were inconceivable before the proliferation of the Internet age, but now that Google and Microsoft are two of the largest profit based US companies even outstripping GM, Ford and many other previous stalwarts.

In the short term Sprint and Clearwire (Clearwire Wireless) plans to launch Broadband Wireless using Wimax technology throughout the United States in Select markets.

“Sprint, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks will enter into wholesale agreements with the new Clearwire, becoming 4G providers of new Clearwire’s mobile WiMAX service.”
from the Press release – what does that mean? It means you can expect expanded service offerings from Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House to rebrand Clearwire’s service into homes throughout the country.

Since this deal doesn’t cement until the 4th quarter this year roll outs are only scheduled in a few select markets

But keep tabs on Clearwire, they have more Wireless Broadband Access than any other current provider and this step looks to have them leap frog over the competition. Well at least until Verizon and AT&T roll out LTE (Long Term Evolution)