The annual WISPAPALOOZA tradeshow provides Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) the latest industry and technology updates, including new developments in hardware, software, and services. It’s hosted by the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a leader and key supporter in the industry. Through a wide range of educational topics, the show’s sessions help WISPs with their business operations and growth. The event provides the ideal opportunity to connect with industry experts and fellow WISPs.
Our team so enjoyed connecting with peers and customers this year in Las Vegas, and these were our key takeaways from the show:
The Right Tool for the Right Job
Discussions in many sessions focused on the opportunities and challenges encountered in leveraging Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds for network expansion, upgrades, and infrastructure development. In its submission to the comments on BEAD alternative technologies, WISPA called for a “right tool for the right job” approach to go along with Internet for All. In part, the right tool for the right job indicates the need for a hybrid approach to broadband deployment, including both fiber and unlicensed fixed wireless access solutions.
American Tower helps WISPs find the customers who could be serviced by these programs to bridge the digital divide, as well as provides guidance in general network planning. If a WISP intends to apply for BEAD program funds, a key challenge it may face is the network planning and data visualization required for the task. Our WISP Navigator™ tool helps WISPs simplify and speed deployment, whether for the development of a new network or the enhancement of an existing one.
WISP Navigator offers:
- Tower Locations and Specifications: Details any contracted towers with us and all other American Tower assets, with heights and availability.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Funding Map Data: Identifies unserved and underserved locations near service areas. Our team can help validate or further refine your analysis of this third-party data, which will be revised as the FCC updates its maps.
- Viewshed Analysis: Offers terrain considerations and other geospatial insights.
During a 1:1 consultation, our team reviews the various options for data layering and provides valuable information, whether a WISP is planning to leverage existing funding opportunities or not. If you tell us where you’re looking to expand coverage, we can provide insights for expansion opportunities. Sign up for a personalized 30-minute WISP Navigator demo with a member of my team to learn more.
Infrastructure Siting Challenges
Finding suitable locations that offer optimal elevation and minimal obstructions to ensure a clear line of sight between the tower and subscribers is critical for WISPs. This challenge is compounded by geographic and environmental variables that may restrict construction or signal propagation, such as:
- Hilly terrains
- Dense forests
- Urban areas with tall buildings
WISPs must also navigate regulatory frameworks, which dictate construction standards, environmental protection mandates, and zoning laws. Regulations could require extensive documentation and approval processes, leading to potential delays in deployment and increased costs.
To help navigate through these potentially complex scenarios and determine the best strategy for your infrastructure, you can access our e-book: Evaluating Risks, Costs, and Benefits to Optimize Your Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.
The WISPAPALOOZA logo is a registered trademark of Wireless Internet Service Providers Association.
Mike Clarke
Mike has more than 15 years of telecommunications industry experience as a sales professional, most of which have been at American Tower. Today, he’s a leader of business development for our WISP and non-national customers across the U.S., supporting their network infrastructure needs and helping them meet business objectives.
