Wired broadband is inaccessible to about a quarter of the United States, and 46,000,000 people are still relying on a single provider; this gap is known as the digital divide. To bridge this divide, Microsoft had made the only notable effort within the tech industry through their “white spaces” experimentation. Politicians and governments are even less involved, requiring expansion concessions through company mergers as their only effort. While politicians and major providers are well aware of this digital divide, very little has been done to bridge this gap. On the other hand, small WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) are making a difference. By building local networks in areas without access to wired broadband, WISPs are currently the only real hope to bridge this digital divide.
These small companies enjoy a customer loyalty and retention rate other players would only dream of. As reported by broadbandnow, one operator explained that as of 2008, the primary source of customer churn was death, which proves how much these small WISPs are liked in the communities they serve. These companies also bring in local jobs, better connectivity, and hence economic growth to parts of US that are largely underserved.
Unlike cell towers, fixed wireless sends connections to customers directly. The connection is delivered via wireless access points on tall buildings and towers. Although fixed wireless networks have been used mostly for businesses, WISPs are currently providing service to homes and there are plans to expand service to areas facing poor connectivity, providing these areas with fast and reliable fixed wireless networks. WISPs might not be getting as much spotlight as the cable cartel, but they are the ones making the real difference in bridging the digital divide.
WISP connections require a direct line of sight between the service tower and the roof of your home. Since the access points are in close proximity to your home, WISPs are able to offer speeds that rival what many cable internet providers are able to offer. Fixed wireless is connected to your home through the installation of an antenna on your roof, allowing you to connect to the network quicker than what is possible through cable installation.
Because WISPs are small service providers, they are able to offer more localized customer service. In addition to quicker service response times, they also offer straightforward pricing and service packages. There is also no need to “bundle” additional services, such as TV and/or Phone, to get the best rates. WISPs are often the best choice for customers who live in rural areas which have limited internet options.
Intermax Networks has been a longstanding local provider for Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and the surrounding areas. We are now in the process of expanding our ability to provide WISP service to many underserved areas in the North Idaho region. If you are looking for a reliable wireless internet service provider, contact Intermax Networks at (208) 762-8065 to see if your home or business is located within one of our WISP service areas.
