Course for WISPs

Thinking of becoming a WISP (wireless ISP)?  Want to set up a WiFi hotspot or use unregulated spectrum to provide broadband to fixed locations over the air?  If so, there’s  a free one-day course in NYC on November 14 you should take a look at.  It’s being offered by HD Communications Corp., smartBridges, and Sputnik – all of whom have products or services to offer to WISPs.

I have no business interest in any of these companies.  Fractals of Change does not run paid posts.  So why the plug?

Two reasons:

1. I am a customer of two WISPs in two locations.  I think we need more WISPs to provide alternative broadband services both where the telco/cableco duopoly doesn’t choose to provide broadband and where it doesn’t offer us the service we need at a reasonable price.
2. I know that Craig Plunkett, VP of business development at HD Communications, is a wizard of wireless (as well as a reader of Fractals of Change and occasional contributor of comments).

Craig has a number of other hats.  He’s a cofounder of Wi-Ran  which, among other things, makes it possible to provide WiFi to passengers on a moving bus.  See a cool mash-up of a Google map and buses running between the Hamptons and NYC here.  He’s also a co-founder of Fire Island Wireless  which is the WISP on Fire Island, of course; and he’s “managing principal” of Urban Hotspots which provides connectivity at places like Grand Central Station in NY.

Deadline for registration is November 7.  You need to make a $50 deposit to reserve a space but you get it back if you show up.