Cant get high speed internet? Try a WISP!

If you live in a rural area (or even some smaller towns) and you cant get any kind of traditional high speed internet (like Cable or DSL) then you should consider a WISP before you call for Satellite Internet. The startup and monthly cost is much lower then satellite internet, and the speed packages are much better too.

What is WISP you say? A WISP is a Wireless Internet Service Provider.

WISP FAQ'S

• Q: What is wireless broadband connectivity?
  A: Fixed wireless broadband provides high speed Internet access without cable, fiber or phone line connections. Data is securely transmitted wirelessly for two-way communications capable of data, video and voice.
• Q: How do I get connected to the Internet?
  A: The WISP installs a small antenna and radio unit on the roof or side of your house or building. The antenna is then aimed towards one of there Internet broadcasting towers. This establishes your wireless link to the Internet. Your computer or network is then connected via a cat 5 (Ethernet) cable drop to the radio unit.
• Q: How long does it take for installation?
  A: Basic installs take around two hours to complete. Not all installs are equal and some may require more or less time to complete.
• Q: Does rain, snow, fog or other weather affect service levels?
  A: No WISP services are not directly affected by the weather.
• Q: If my bandwidth needs grow can I increase my bandwidth speeds?
  A: Yes! You can always increase your service levels based on your growing needs. The bandwidth adjustment can be done remotely and does not require a site visit.
• Q: DSL and or CABLE internet is not available in our area, will that prevent us from getting fixed wireless internet services?
  A: NO! Fixed wireless services do not use fiber or any other terrestrial land links to connect you to the Internet and there for WISP's are not constrained in offering there services based on availability of these facilities.
• Q: Why is fixed wireless service better than cable or DSL?
  A: Cable services speed and performance are based on how many users are using in your area. A cable connection will slow down with each additional user on the network. DSL service quality depends on your distance from the nearest central office. If you are further than 18,000 feet you do not even qualify. Fixed Wireless Internet is not affected by any of the above downfalls. Most fixed wireless services are also a symmetrical service which means your upload speeds are as fast as your download speeds. Cable and DSL or Asymmetrical services, they allow you fast downloads while your uploads are allot slower than your downloads.

Fixed Wireless Service providers are all over, just pick up your phone book and see who might be in or close to your area. Keep in mind that a lot WISP's tend to venture quit far from there home town. they can bounce there signal from tower to tower ever expanding to areas that have the most demand for there services. So even if you don't see a WISP advertised in your local home town, look to see if there might be a WISP in a neighboring town. They generally have there base or home office in a larger city where they can make there final connection to the internet backbone providing you your high speed service.

Most WIPS's also provide other traditional ISP services as well. Like Static IP addresses, Dedicated Bandwidth Trunks, Dedicated PTP (Point to Point) (building to building or location to location) connections, VPN's (Virtual Private Networks), Web Hosting, VOIP (Voice over IP telephone service), MDU (Multiple Dwelling Units) (Apartment complexes or Hotels) Access, and so on.

Some WISP's can even offer speeds that far out shine traditional high speed internet service provers, with speeds in excess of 30 - 45 mps. Thats because they are not bound to the bandwidth limitations of copper lines. They are only bound by the limitations of the radio units they use on the towers and at the installation location, well and the quality of the signal as well, but that plays into the radio unit technology used.

So don't hesitate to call a WISP. A lot of them offer a Free site survey to see if they can get signal at your location. Even if they cant today, if enough people call from your area, they will consider expanding to your area.