🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4bsh9e$737@zeke.ebtech.net>, bernie@ebtech.net says...
>> $20000 Computers (good ones, lots 
>
>$20,000 for two computers?  Sure.

	This was assuming you are going with Intel-based machines, at least 32Mb's 
RAM and secure server software, as well as at least 4 gigs each for storage.
>
>> months phone service: 7500, uninterruptable power supply: $600, that modem box 
>
>100 telephone lines for $50,000 ... for Bell I could see them trying that, but
>really you are looking at about $10,000 or less.

	This is based on installations costs (Modem, line, setup fee from Bell, 
etc.) In Toronto, it seems to average about $1000 per line installed. (this is not 
the monthly fee)

>>guarantee to Bell $50000 (I'd think that's 
>>
>A good terminal server is going to run THOUSANDS of dollars.  A Xylogics Annex 32 
port >is going to run atleast $5000 with cables and software.
>
>Good luck getting a good facility for lines too.  Bell will not install ANYTHING 
for >just anyone nowadays.
>
>> the modesm (Don'e even waste the public's time with 14.4's, you'll have to 
>
>I would have to say that about 75 percent of our users use 14.4 modems and only 
>20% use 28.8... is there a reason for using all 28.8s?  (We use 28.8s.. )

	Sure, right now they are, but with the price of modems, like all other 
computer hardware, dropping fairly quickly, why would you want to buy modems that 
you are going to throw out anyways? Besides, with the things coming out on the 'Net 
requiring higher and higher bandwidth, 14.4 just doesn't cut it anymore. They're 
fine for casual users, but most providers will want to plan for the 
not-so-distant-at-all furure :)

>Phone companies are NOT good internet providers.. if possible, avoid contact with 
>the telephone company.  Order your lines (tell them it is for Internet and see
>the response) and that is it.. stay away from that monster.

	Agreed and agreed!

>Oh.. and one final suggestion about starting up.. YOU HAVEN'T A CHANCE.  Too many
>people providing already.  No Internet provider is afraid of the competition (I
>don't think) but we don't like monopolies and other people who ruin the Internet
>for the rest of us by turning customers off of it.  (ie. provide bad service and
>support, rip off users, fail to provide the service(s)...)
>
>In other words.. leave the Internet to the people who brought it to its current 
>state, the Internet providers in existence.  It is all a money grab for people
>now.  We sunk millions into it as a group to bring it to where it is and now 
>that we have established the clientele and the 'need' for the Internet, you all
>jump on the bandwagon for your piece of the pie.. the sad thing is, too many
>dirty fingers get in the pie and ruin it for the rest!

	I have to disagree with this, considering that the demand FAR exceeds the 
demand, there is ample room for those who are serious to get into the game. Within 
two years, the ones that aren'ty serious will go belly-up anyways. It is up to the 
consumer, of course, to make an informed decision about which provider they should 
go with.
	Since this is a young, very young, market, I think it's no where near the 
time to consider the ISP business as an elitist club that only a few can play at. 
Here's another thought to consider; you mention how "you all" are dirtying the pie 
with your dirty fingers, and yet there is talk about future partnerships and 
alliances between telcos, cablecos, etc (Heck, tit's already being done in the 
states) to expand business and exposure. As a wise businessperson, you'll want you 
pick of the smaller firms to either ally yourself with, or even to buy outright. 
	Rather than telling people that they have no hope, to stay out of the game, 
I think you'd be better off lending them a helping hand, let them benefit from your 
experience (after all, as you said, no ISP is afraid of competition) and wait it 
out... After all, what goes around, comes around :)

Marc Bissonnette
General Manager
Netropolis Inc.