[Matt8355]

Let me start by saying....I'm crazy about wireless technology! I've had this idea for a few years now and never got feedback from anyone about it. I did research for quite some time now and know a little something about the industry. The idea is becoming a wireless internet service provider (WISP). I know that a few companies are doing hot spots but not on a large scale. I wanted to set up several wireless towers locally, and then move regionally, statewide, and eventually country-wide (to major cities/counties).

Services would be targeted to individuals (for like pdas & laptops), residential families, and other potential customers. Many sectors, from hospitality to hospitals, could use wireless internet. I believe this would be a great opportunity.

Competitors are all internet service providers. Direct competitors are T-mobile and someone else. Know of any more?

There is a huge potential to make lots of money (on a VC scale going public). Wireless internet is the future but probably won't get popular in the USA and England for several years.

What do you think of this idea? Would you pay $35-$40 to use the internet anywhere in any major city/county? Should I do a business plan on it? Do you believe this industry is saturated?


Thanks for your opinion,

[sskinner]

I'd pay $35 for it in a minute man.

[mpnetwork]

I pay $45 (Canadian) now! As long as it was a) secure and b) just as fast and reliable of course I would.

[Karen]

I think many people would pay for something like this.

Once you get all the towers set up, you could offer nationwide surfing for one monthly rate. Perfect for the business traveler.

Karen

[mxer210]

My dad's company,sanmina manufactured about 100,000 wireless points which were placed in major cities every half mile, tucked behind the light on the lamppoles. The company was richochet. I'm not sure how well they're doing though.

[Steve]

Once business model, if you've ever been to Seatac airport (or I'm sure others). You setup some server so as soon as you try to access the internet from their access point it comes up with a page saying buy access -- if you run your credit card through you have full access.

This is a good business model, so people who desperately need internet can buy it, while others can subscribe and always get it for free.

[Mark]

I love the idea

Im in the uk, so of course its a lot smaller area to cover....

[GSchubert751]

Nice idea, if you could set it up nationwide that would work. I know alot of people (like my dad) who travel alot and would love to have wireless internet anywhere anytime when they need it. That would work great. If you get a business plan and Business Model Togeather come talk to me.

[Dus10]

I have been thinking about this myself. I would start in my subdivision. It is a unique subdivision that is acctually comprised of about 14 smaller subdivisions, a golf course, an apartment complex, a nursing home, office space, and retail space. We have a Meijer, Menards, Applebees, Bob Evans, White Castle, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and more. It is a few miles long and there are a couple of towers around that I may be able to get access to. It would be awesome. There is plenty of park space, so this would be ideal in the summers when you are at the park or the golf course. There are probably close to 3000 homes, and at $35 a pop, I could probably get at least 50%, considering it is a nice neighborhood. If I did well, there are some new auxillary communites popping up very close by, and we are about 5 minutes from the airport, so I could expand there.

[Matt8355]

Thank you all for your opinions! I'll get started on the business plan tomorrow (Friday). It will take longer than usual b/c I'm starting to do some investing in real estate. When done I'll let everyone know so you can read it (hopefully its only 25 pages). Feel free to post more advice and information under this thread. I know I'll need more opinions and advice in the planning process.

Thanks again

[GSchubert751]

If you get a business plan togeather and are looking for a venture capatilists feel free to drop me an email GSchubert751 @ gmail . com

take the spaces out, when you email me, had to do that for spam

[gambit]

We were just about to start that idea of Wi-Fi but the big company here in Toronto took the idea before we even make the move.

I think you if you are going to continue that idea, you have to focus on security first. There's still a lot of security holes in regards to Wi-Fi. People will buy into that if you can prove them that your service is secured.