[KLUG Members] RE: broadband options

[Randall Perry]

Sorry, OT but in response to the broadband options...
     I know there isn't much out there, and so I was thrilled to have
someone want to financially back my idea to start a wireless ISP in the
Elkhart County area.  I know there are already 2 802.11b providers out
there (MicroVillage and MapleNet-I have known Gene for years), but there
have been issues.  
     First off, a customer's up front costs are between $600 to $2000.
Monthly fees are as low as $50 for MicroVillage (aka SkyBurst), but
there is no CIR and customer service and performance are lacking.
Monthly fees at MapleNet are $200 (for 56k connection) to $600 for a
shared 1.5 Mbps.  
	I suggest that the ISP should eat some of the setup costs and
better service should be offered.  That would make wireless a real
contender in broadband options.  These ideas have already been approved,
but I am not ready to commit unless I feel that there is really a market
need out there.  
	Please don't think I am trying to use KLUG for free
commercials-I haven't even accepted the offer.  And besides, Kalamazoo
would not be in the coverage area.  I would really like to know what do
you guys think of this.  You can email me off list so that I do not
clutter up this list with OT topics.

Randall Perry
RandallP@domain-logic.com