How to Become Your Own ISP???

Hi All,

I asked this question in another forum and haven't gotten that much information. This forum seems like it has alot more depth of PC networking and information ( I hope!!!). But my Question:

-How can you become your own ISP (Internet Service Provider). I know Businesses have to have their own Interent connection providers being themselves cause it would cost too much to have an account with like Comcast or Direct TV or whatever. Basically I would like to know if it is possible to become your own ISP working from your own base and everything not paying anyone for using a connection fee to the internet. If there is any information on how this can become in development I curious about it. Always wondered how Comcast Direct TV and other ISP's operate and and get their service. Thanks !!!! :)

Takes alot of time and alot of money. I bet if you head over to webhostingtalk.com and post your question, you will get a lot of responses. And use the search feature over there. I know from browsing the forums that this question has been asked a few times before.

It is possible to become your own ISP - but like nkad said it will cost a lot of money. You first need to rent a 3g/bit fast ISDN connection direct to the local PSTN. You then need to purchase an piece of equipment which enables you to split the ISDN bandwidth into many 56k/bit, allowing approximately 50 customers to make a connection through you, I believe you can purchase one of these from Cisco for a nominal $50,000. You then need to market the service, perhaps by creating a website, mail shots and purchasing a dial up number so people can make connections to the Internet via your service.

The reality is, that even ISP's rely on some kind of service provider. In each country only a handful of computers have direct connectivity to the core Internet network (the backbone), mainly government run agencies and telecoms providers.

In certain circumstances it is beneficial and cheaper to become an ISP. For example, Portsmouth university has direct several digital connections to BT from which it hosts ADSL and Dial up and ADSL Internet Access to their students for reduced prices.

So, unless you are considering providing Internet access to your company employees, I would urge you to instead considering to looking at higher bandwidth connections instead.