Wireless Internet - Ten Questions to Ask Your Wireless Internet Service Provider

Because most local-region WISPs are local firms, you often don’t know what to expect from their service. And the few national providers are pretty new at this business, too, so they may not have worked out all the questions either. While you can’t account for every uncertainty, it pays to ask the following questions before signing up for service, especially if you have a choice of providers or technologies.

How much does the service cost, including all fees, charges, and taxes? Am I committing to a minimum contract period?
What is the typical speed I should expect—not the maximum—when using your service? And do you guarantee a minimum speed?
What is your service availability performance? On average, how often is the service not available, and for how long?
Will I need to get special software—from you or someone else—to use your service? If so, is there an additional cost? And does it work with my operating system? (This is usually an issue for Macintosh users.)
Will I need to buy special technology, such as adapters or cards, for my computer to access your service? If so, will it work with my computer hardware? And what does it cost? (This is usually an issue with Macintosh users, but it can also be an issue if your PC is an older model.)
Do you have dial-up service available in case the wireless service is disrupted, such as by a storm? If so, is it extra-cost?
Similarly, if I want to use the service outside your coverage area, do you have national dial-up service, wireless roaming, or other access when traveling? If so, does it cost extra?
Does your network support VPN traffic, so I can connect to my business’s network over the virtual private network they require?
Is the service restricted to a single computer, or can I use multiple computers on the same account?
And similarly, can my family or business all share a single account or does every user need their own account?