How does one become an ISP?

[rspassey]

This has always been something I have wondered about. I know about setting up hot-spots and providing internet access that way, I have set up my own wireless networks. However, how does one become their own ISP? I mean I understand that they provider internet access in many forms (cable, dialup, etc) but where do they connect to the internet from - if you know what I mean?

I guess what I am mostly asking is - what is involved in becoming and ISP?

Thanks,
Ryan

[doctorgonzo]

You'll need all the hardware for connecting, most likely dialup modems and the phone lines for them. You'll need a server for authentication and login, and for hosting websites or running e-mail if you want to offer that too. You'll need networking hardware tying all of this together, as well as a router. You'll need to buy the backbone internet connection, like a T1, T3, or optical (fiber), depending on how much bandwidth you need: you will have to pay for both the wiring/fiber and the actual connection to the backbone.

I've heard that ISPs are pretty low-profit undertakings.

[rspassey]

Okay, thanks, most of what I found when Googling was just how to host your own web pages... that certainly helped clear things up. I wasn't thinking about taking it on as a business venture or anything. Do you know how much a connection to a backbone costs on average? - it all seems very expensive.

[doctorgonzo]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 Do you know how much a connection to a backbone costs on average? - it all seems very expensive.

Yes, it is expensive. I have no idea how much it would cost, especially in South America.

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by doctorgonzo Yes, it is expensive. I have no idea how much it would cost, especially in South America.

That is what I was wondering becuase for wires and the cabling and that - I could get a professional to help set that up for very very cheap compared to north america, but for internet access I pay nearly 130 pesos ( like 43USD) and only have 1 mb down 128 up... so broadband is expensive.

[glc]

A T1 would cost you at least $300 USD. That's 1.5mb up and down.

[rspassey]

Ahh... now I see why ISPs charge so much and put caps on speeds.

Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

Yeah, if you want to get cheaper internet access, becoming an ISP is not the way to do it. It would be like opening a car dealership to buy a car for less money.

[rspassey]

Nice analogy! I really expect those fees to be a lot higher here, anyway, thanks for answering.

[hartken]

Hello, I setup up a couple of ISPs before and if you are interested please PM me. I understand that you are probably working on a budget and I can get something affordable. You can email me at stevehartken@hotmail.com