Start Your Own ISP
A practical guide to starting your own Internet Service Provider.
Start Your Own ISP

[Start Your Own ISP](https://startyourownisp.com/ "Home")

[Join SYOISP's Discord](https://twitter.com/syoisp "Join SYOISP's Discord")

- [Join the Discussion on Discord](https://startyourownisp.com/community/ "Join the Discussion")

* * *

- [Home](https://startyourownisp.com/ "Home")
- [Sponsorships/Partnerships](https://startyourownisp.com/partnerships "Sponsorships/Partnerships")
- [Webinar Series](https://www.gotostage.com/channel/2c4ef258c411488eae8c04e2481d7a00 "Webinar Series")
- [Introduction](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/introduction/ "Introduction")

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- [Step 1: Evaluate an Area](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/location-location-location/ "Step 1: Evaluate an Area")
- [Step 2: Find a Fiber Provider](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/fiber-provider/ "Step 2: Find a Fiber Provider")
- [Step 3: Find Relay Sites](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/relay-sites/ "Step 3: Find Relay Sites")
- [Step 4: Pick a Hardware Platform](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/hardware-platform/ "Step 4: Pick a Hardware Platform")
- [Step 5: Billing and Customer Management](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/billing-customer-management/ "Step 5: Billing and Customer Management")
- [Step 6: Network Topology](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/network-topology/ "Step 6: Network Topology")
- [Step 7: Build your Infrastructure](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/build-your-infrastructure/ "Step 7: Build your Infrastructure")
- [Step 8: Install a Customer](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/install-a-customer/ "Step 8: Install a Customer")
- [Step 9: Marketing](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/marketing/ "Step 9: Marketing")
- [Step 10: Maintenance](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/maintenance/ "Step 10: Maintenance")

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- [Paid Consulting](https://clarity.fm/grahamcastleton "Paid Consulting")
- [Form 477](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/form477/ "Form 477")
- [Tools](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/tool-list/ "Tools")
- [Backhauls](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/backhaul-picker/ "Backhauls")
- [MDUs (Multiple Dwelling Units)](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/mdus/ "MDUs (Multiple Dwelling Units)")
- [Guide to Google Earth](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/guide-to-google-earth/ "Guide to Google Earth")
- [Roof and Ladder Safety](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/roof-and-ladder-safety/ "Roof and Ladder Safety")

* * *

- [About Me](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/about-me/ "About Me")
- [graham@startyourownisp.com](mailto:hello@outpost.plus "Email of hello@outpost.plus")
- [#startyourownisp:matrix.org](https://riot.im/app/#/room/#startyourownisp:matrix.org "Matrix Chat")

# Start Your Own ISP

This site is dedicated to helping you start your own Internet Service Provider. Specifically this guide is about building a Wireless ISP ( [WISP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Internet_service_provider)).

This guide is focused on the very earliest stages of starting a WISP - determining feasibility up through connecting the first few customers. There are many challenges that will come up at 100, 1,000 or 10,000 customers that are not (yet) covered in this guide.

Recent Webinar: **Vertical Real Estate For ISPs**

Check out a recording of our latest webinar collaboration with [Outpost Plus](https://outpost.plus/) on 30 Aug 2023 at 12:00PM Pacific.

Learn about strategies and solutions for aproaching MDU owners and managers, installing and building out MDU sites, and converting residents into subscribers.

[Recorded Webinar](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5216831262199372120?utm_source=syoisp&utm_medium=website)

## What’s New

- Check out our [past webinars here](https://www.gotostage.com/channel/2c4ef258c411488eae8c04e2481d7a00?medium=web&campaign=evergreen&source=syoisp).
- Get a head start on marketing in Q1 with our [60% off sale on Q1 sponsorship packages](https://startyourownisp.com/partnerships) right now.

## Community

If you’d like personalized assistance with a project feel free to [book some time](https://clarity.fm/grahamcastleton) with me.

[**Join the discussion!**](https://startyourownisp.com/community) Chat with me (the author) and others interested in this kind of thing here: [SYOISP Discord Server](https://startyourownisp.com/community).

[**Follow Along**](https://twitter.com/syoisp) on Twitter [@syoisp](https://twitter.com/syoisp)

## Getting Started

[**What is a WISP?**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/introduction/)
And why might you want to build one? Also defines some terminology.

[**Costs**](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jjUYOQMuZ4cRyTv1M5X8HGtrKFiW96_gNlfG8BBzRN0/edit?usp=sharing)
What does it cost to build a wireless Internet Service Provider? (Link to a Google Sheet that you can copy and customize.)

[**About Me**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/about-me/)
Who am I? Why am I doing this?

## Step by Step Guide

[**Step 1: Evaluate an Area**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/location-location-location/): Make sure your area is a good candidate for a Wireless Internet network.

[**Step 2: Find a Fiber Provider**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/fiber-provider/): Find a building where you can purchase a fiber connection and use the rooftop to start your wireless network.

[**Step 3: Find Relay Sites**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/relay-sites/):
Extend your network wirelessly toward your customers.

[**Step 4: Pick a Hardware Platform**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/hardware-platform/):
Evaluate available options for wireless hardware.

[**Step 5: Billing and Customer Management**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/billing-customer-management/):
Make sure you’re able to get paid and support your customers.

[**Step 6: Network Topology**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/network-topology/):
Design your network topology to make your network reliable and scalable. Routers, switches, IP addresses, VLANs, etc.

[**Step 7: Build your Infrastructure**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/build-your-infrastructure/):
Install hardware for your fiber connection and your relay sites.

[**Step 8: Install a Customer**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/install-a-customer/):
Get your first customer online!

[**Step 9: Marketing**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/marketing/):
Let people know about your service so they can experience a better Internet connection!

[**Step 10: Maintenance**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/maintenance/):
Keep your network running smoothly, even in bad weather.

## Signup for our monthly newsletter

## Miscellaneous

[**Form 477: How to prepare and file with the FCC**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/form477/)
Form 477 is used by the FCC to determine which providers are servicing which areas. ISPs must file this form twice a year.

[**Tools you’ll want to have**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/tool-list/)
A list of the tools you’ll need to install relays sites and customers.

[**Aim a Backhaul**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/aim-backhaul/) COMING SOON
A guide describing the proper techniques for aiming backhauls. Designed to be printed out and taken to the site for reference.

[**Backhaul List**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/backhaul-picker/)
If you just need to get a solid wireless connection from Point A to Point B then use this list to pick the right equipment and get it set up.

[**RF Basics and Channel Planning**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/channel-planning/) COMING SOON
Avoid self interference by carefully choosing channels for your access points and backhauls.

[**MDUs (Multiple Dwelling Units)**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/mdus/)
Best practices for providing service to apartment buildings, condos, attached townhomes, etc.

[**Guide to Google Earth**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/guide-to-google-earth/)
Some tips and tricks for using Google Earth to plan and build your network.

[**Roof and Ladder Safety**](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/roof-and-ladder-safety/) COMING SOON
Stay safe out there!

How can we help?

[Outpost Plus](https://outpost.plus/) is the organization behind startyourownisp.com.
Our experienced professionals are happy to discuss your needs and offer advice and assistance.
[Contact us](https://outpost.plus/pages/contact/) to discuss your project.

Looking to donate? [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/startyourownisp) or BTC 1JKa1Kdrp3r4xPSXBRJ6nPC6YYdLcqQ4Bp. Many thanks!



© 2024 Graham Castleton, Outpost Plus, LLC –

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Introduction](https://startyourownisp.com/posts/introduction/ "Introduction")