Wireless internet service providers (WISPs).
NBN news of competition models WISPs is the new Buzz in country areas. They delivering fast speed internet to businesses and in some cases residential.
What is a WISP?
They offer faster bandwidths than available from the NBN and with a much more consistent connection. This is done by using fixed point-to-point and point-to-multipoint microwave technology in both apparatus licensed and class-licensed spectrum for their ‘last mile’ connectivity.
While controversy continues to rage around the NBN pricing model and claims that services are not delivering the bandwidths advertised – there are, in many areas of Australia, viable alternatives provided by wireless internet service providers (WISPs).
These businesses offer internet access services to businesses and in some cases consumers, that are at higher bandwidths than available from the NBN. They do this by using fixed point-to-point and point-to-multipoint microwave technology in both apparatus licensed and class-licensed spectrum for their ‘last mile’ connectivity.
It is unknown how many WISPs there are in Australia, not even their industry body, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of Australia (WISPAU).
The association’s president, Michael Parnell, says WISPAU has about 50 members. “It’s impossible to know how many operators there are, but conservatively we estimate there are about 200,000 WISP customers in total.”
NBN Co model
Where the NBN co-model is basically a domestic market product the WISP offering is designed around faster access for business.
It is quite clear that many country areas have been left out of the first flush of connections and that waiting is not a viable consideration.
Where 80% of businesses in Australia is a small business the NBN model suits the purpose of both speed and capacity.
Inner city larger businesses have a range of private offers to meet their requirements
For those in an area that comes under the range of a WISP, it is certainly worth a consideration.
That is based on current activity. NBN is around forever but I would remain somewhat sceptical about the smaller operators trying to make a good living. Tread your own path.
