Broadband MicroPops
As wireless technology evolves there are increasing opportunities for consumers to construct "Do It Yourself" wireless networks (known as Micropops). Wireless is becoming more and more powerful, but also becoming more simple and user friendly. Using a wireless tech that is very similar to 5G (used by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile), you and 10-20 of your close neighbors can share an internet connection and reduce your monthly costs and increase the reliability.
Now, it's not quite that easy. The initial set up of your micropop can be very difficult for anyone that is not an expert at networking or wireless technology. But we do offer consulting services to help you get set up, and to maintain your micropop.
Now, it's not quite that easy. The initial set up of your micropop can be very difficult for anyone that is not an expert at networking or wireless technology. But we do offer consulting services to help you get set up, and to maintain your micropop.
Micropop Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is this legal?
A: Absolutely. There are thousands of small wireless companies that do the very same thing, but sell the service for a profit to their subscribers. They are referred to as "WISPs" which is short for Wireless Internet Service Provider. These WISPs offer service to 100+ subscribers at one time, where as a co-op would only be 5-10 subscribers.
Q: Where does the backhaul internet come from?
A: Most of the large (Tier1) providers such as Centurylink, Comcast, Frontier and Windstream offer "resell-able" service. You sign up for that level of service from them (usually a fiber optic connection) and then you and your co-op can share the connection.
Q: Can't we just use a residential connection already in our home?
A: No. Most Internet Providers have clauses in their "terms of service" that limit the usage of the internet at your home to just you inside the home. They do not allow for distribution to others. They will terminate your service and/or take legal action if they deem necessary.
Q: How fast is the internet service?
A: It depends mainly on the speed of the backhaul purchased, and somewhat on the number of users on the the network.
A good solid backhaul, a great router and network set up, can provide a robust 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps to each user in the co-op with excellent latency.
Q: How much does it cost to get started?
A: A small 5 person co-op will have around $2500 in start up costs. It depends on the quality of equipment you want to buy, etc.
Q: Does Upstream help us set up and maintain our co-op network?
A: Yes. We will set up the network and provide other consulting work. If you don't feel comfortable maintaining your network, you can pay us a monthly fee to monitor it. But they rarely go down. The equipment is very reliable, and has to meet government standards for ISPs.
A: Absolutely. There are thousands of small wireless companies that do the very same thing, but sell the service for a profit to their subscribers. They are referred to as "WISPs" which is short for Wireless Internet Service Provider. These WISPs offer service to 100+ subscribers at one time, where as a co-op would only be 5-10 subscribers.
Q: Where does the backhaul internet come from?
A: Most of the large (Tier1) providers such as Centurylink, Comcast, Frontier and Windstream offer "resell-able" service. You sign up for that level of service from them (usually a fiber optic connection) and then you and your co-op can share the connection.
Q: Can't we just use a residential connection already in our home?
A: No. Most Internet Providers have clauses in their "terms of service" that limit the usage of the internet at your home to just you inside the home. They do not allow for distribution to others. They will terminate your service and/or take legal action if they deem necessary.
Q: How fast is the internet service?
A: It depends mainly on the speed of the backhaul purchased, and somewhat on the number of users on the the network.
A good solid backhaul, a great router and network set up, can provide a robust 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps to each user in the co-op with excellent latency.
Q: How much does it cost to get started?
A: A small 5 person co-op will have around $2500 in start up costs. It depends on the quality of equipment you want to buy, etc.
Q: Does Upstream help us set up and maintain our co-op network?
A: Yes. We will set up the network and provide other consulting work. If you don't feel comfortable maintaining your network, you can pay us a monthly fee to monitor it. But they rarely go down. The equipment is very reliable, and has to meet government standards for ISPs.
Call us or fill out the form below for a quote on services.
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