WISPs: Tips for Better Engaging These Broadband Stars

Wireless ISPs (WISPs) are like the WW II PT boats in the battle for better broadband. They're small, they're swift. They get into places bigger boats can't go, get the job done and zip off to the next mission. WISPs collectively get a lot of people and businesses online, particularly in rural areas. But they don't get the respect they deserve.

Matt Larsen, a member of the Wireless ISP Association's Board of Directors and president of his own WISP, is our guest. He makes the case for why we need more support from community stakeholders and government agencies for these local providers. So many times they fill the void left by big incumbents. 

Larsen pulls from his experiences in the field and lessons from colleagues to present effective guidelines for:

• finding WISPs who can make a difference;
• creating valuable partnerships with WISPs; and
• maximizing the community's relationship with their WISPS.