Are you having interference issues with your unlicensed backhauls? Have you considered upgrading some of your PTP links to a licensed microwave solution? Do understand the process on how to obtain a license with the FCC, costs involved and benefits associated with a licensed solution?
And how do you make the transition? We've interviewed CEOs, Presidents, and Owners of some of the most successful WISPs in the industry to see how they made the move to licensed and how that translated to the success of their WISP.
From our many interviews, we've created a WISP Essentials Guide: 10 Keys to Success from Industry Leaders. This guide is full of little nuggets of information on how to become a successful WISP business. You can download the full guide here or keep reading for a small snippet of Key #8: Find More Frequency.
"Unlicensed frequencies like 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz are heavily used and can often be congested. Utilizing the variety of licensed frequencies available
for WISPs can create “interference-free” transmission, or reduce interference significantly. Using these licensed frequencies, however, often requires a greater
upfront investment and takes more time to satisfy the licensing requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Is it worth the time, money, and effort to use licensed frequencies?
"Pete, President of a California WISP, believes that using licensed frequencies is worth the time, money, and effort. He explained how one of their biggest problems is running out of spectrum. As a result, his company is utilizing licensed spectrum as a big part of their business plan moving forward. Pete stated that one of the best pieces of advice he could offer to other WISPs is to convert all their links to licensed. Justin, Director of Network Operations for a Nebraska WISP, echoed a similar sentiment. He recommended using licensed links to avoid the headaches of unlicensed spectrum as well as fiber."
Key #8 covers not only how to find more frequency, but also touches on the following tips:
- Consider the licensed alternative
- Use licensed spectrum effectively
- Know licensed limitations
