Friday, March 27, 2009

What Next for DSL Resellers?

Between the FISPA meeting and two calls since, it seems that folks still think that the telcos should have to play fair and open up the wholesale DSL platform. To me, it's like a farmer complaining about the rain and soil. It is what it is. It isn't likely to change without you doing something to change it or if you move - two things most people in the ISP Industry don't like.

In 2004-2005, when we were running up to the Hill in DC to fight against DSL Un-regulation and the Brand-X case, I don't recall too much support. Not bitter. Just saying that you had your chance to fight and missed it. Fighting now will likely mean missing the boat.

There are many ways to deliver high-speed Internet Access. There are ways to add multiple streams of income, such as:

  • VOIP
  • Back-up
  • PC Support
  • Server maintenance
  • Hosting
  • SAAS
  • Hosted Email/Exchange
  • Network Security
  • IT Security
  • Home monitoring/security
  • Home Network Install & Maintenance

If you are reselling DSL, why wouldn't you be reselling other services? Seriously. Satellite (WildBlue or Hughes), 3G, Verizon FiOS, and Cable Modem service. You can be an agent of companies like American Broadband Systems and Bandwave Systems to resell services to your client base to move them to a new platform and get some revenue.

From what I am hearing Residential Dial-Up and Residential DSL accounts are selling for under $100. You can make money selling them other services. And if you sell them Hosted Email (Exchange, Google, or someone else), you can have that revenue stream for a while.

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